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How Barcelona could line up against Atletico Madrid

sportsmole.co.uk, 6 May 2021, 13:42
Barcelona will be looking to boost their La Liga title hopes when they welcome division leaders Atletico Madrid to Camp Nou on Saturday afternoon for what is a huge contest.

Ronald Koeman's side will again be without the services of Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati due to long-term knee problems, while an ankle issue is likely to keep Martin Braithwaite on the sidelines.

Barca otherwise have a fully-fit squad, meaning that Koeman has plenty of decisions to make.

It seems likely that the hosts will again line up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Ronald Araujo potentially getting the nod over Oscar Mingueza as part of a back three alongside Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique.

Pedri, Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong will start in midfield, while Jordi Alba will line up as the left-sided wing-back for the hosts, who are currently third in Spain's top flight, two points off the summit.

Perhaps the only major talking point comes in the right-sided wing-back spot, where Sergi Roberto might just get the nod over Sergino Dest due to his experience, particularly against Atletico.

Lionel Messi, meanwhile, should again be joined by Antoine Griezmann as part of a front two, leaving Ousmane Dembele, who has still not signed a new contract, on the bench.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Pique, Lenglet; Roberto, De Jong, Busquets, Pedri, Alba; Messi, Griezmann

> Click here to see how Atletico could line up for this contest

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