Barcelona begin a very important December schedule looking for a fifth consecutive win in La Liga as the Catalans welcome Atlético Madrid for a huge clash at Camp Nou.
Diego Simeone’s side have won their last seven games in all competitions after a very slow start to the campaign, and come to Catalonia to reignite a rivalry that gave us plenty of entertainment last season.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Tuesday’s battle:
Defense
Flick was unhappy with Saturday’s performance in which his defense once again suffered, and the coach continues to search for a back four that gives him confidence.
Gerard Martín’s excellent performance as a center-back against Alavés at the weekend has made him a real contender to start in the next few matches, but we don’t think he’ll start this one as Flick is likely to revert to his favorite central combination this season in Pau Cubarsí and Eric García, with Jules Kounde returning at right-back and Alejandro Balde starting on the left.
Midfield
The win over Alavés saw the return of The Wizard as Pedri played a wonderful half-hour after coming back from injury, and we think he’ll start this one and reunite his partnership with Frenkie de Jong, who is expected to return to the team after missing out at the weekend for personal reasons.
Dani Olmo didn’t play his best game against Alavés but still scored two goals, which will bost his confidence as he looks to build some consistency as a starter in the absence of the injured Fermín López.
Attack
The impact of Raphinha’s return to the starting lineup at the weekend was impossible to miss, as the Brazilian’s energy, leadership and playmaking was crucial to the victory as he played a fantastic hour. He’ll undoubtedly start again, and Lamine Yamal will look to build on an excellent performance against Alavés while Robert Lewandowski will lead the line looking to find the net in a big game at home.
Possible XI: Joan; Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Atlético Madrid? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
