Atleticovs.Barcelona

The tie is on a knife-edge after the two teams played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in last month's first leg at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Angel Correa will miss the return leg as he serves the third game of a five-match ban, while Koke is a doubt after missing the last eight matches with a muscle injury.

Robin Le Normand was forced off with a head injury in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Espanyol, but the defender has since returned to training and should be fit to feature in the matchday squad.

Simeone opted to put Jose Maria Gimenez, Reinildo Mandava, Rodrigo De Paul and Julian Alvarez on the bench for the league trip to the Stage Front Stadium, seemingly taking into account their long journeys back from international break.

However, the quartet could all come into the starting lineup for the crucial Copa del Rey clash against Barcelona.

Gimenez is set to play alongside Clement Lenglet in central defence, while Marcos Llorente and Reinildo could line up at right and left-back respectively.

The back four could shield Atletico's second-choice goalkeeper, Juan Musso, who has been used in all six cup games instead of Jan Oblak.

De Paul will operate in central midfield with Pablo Barrios, while Giuliano Simeone and Samuel Lino could offer the width on the right and left flank respectively.

Alvarez will replace Alexander Sorloth in the forward line, with the Argentine looking to add to the 23 competitive goals he has scored this season.

The 25-year-old will be supported by the experienced Antoine Griezmann, who has gone six games without a goal since he scored in the first leg against Barcelona.

Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup: Musso; Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Reinildo; Simeone, Barrios, De Paul, Lino; Alvarez, Griezmann

Written by

Ben Sully