Preview: Rampant Barcelona face Atlético Madrid to continue their pursuit of the La Liga throne

FC Barcelona take on Atlético Madrid tonight in a potential title decider. (Image credits - FMT, License Details)

FC Barcelona will face Atlético Madrid in a fiery clash in La Liga at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid tonight.

The Catalan giants will head into this game being just three points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid while having two games in hand.

Atlético have been somewhat of a “bogey team” for Hansi Flick’s men, as Barcelona have failed to secure a single win in their two meetings with the Madrid giants this season.

In their latest meeting last month in the Copa del Rey semi-final, the fans witnessed a thrilling see-saw match, which ended with a scoreline of 4-4 at the Montjuïc.

Diego Simeone’s men are expected to be even more threatening and dangerous, considering their unfortunate setback in the Champions League just four days ago, which could result in another positive result for Atlético against the inform FC Barcelona.

A potential title decider: Only one point separates Barcelona and Atlético  Madrid

Atlético Madrid will be heading into tonight’s game with both physical and mental fatigue after playing over 120 minutes against Real Madrid on Wednesday, posing a difficult challenge for them to maintain their focus throughout the 90 minutes against Barcelona.

FC Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, also stated that he demands more focus and concentration from his players for tonight’s crucial clash, which, according to him, will be the main difference maker between the two sides.

However, there is a considerable advantage for the Catalan giants, who had their game against Osasuna postponed, giving them an ample amount of rest up ahead of tonight’s fixture.

However, Barça must be aware of what Simeone's men are capable of with their determination and resilience, being one of the most hard-working teams in all of Europe.

The centre-backs, Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi, would have to be at their level best to ensure Barça's high line is protected from Atleti’s formidable attacking duo of Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez.

Along with the CBs, Alejandro Balde and Pedri would also have to be compact defensively and close to each other in order to close down the spaces in between the midfielders and the defenders, to not expose any spaces to Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente alongside Samuel Lino and Javi Galan, who will continuously switch and overload the flanks.

Predicted line-ups

FC Barcelona’s predicted Starting XI: Wojciech Szczesny (GK), Alejandro Balde (LB), Pau Cubarsi (CB), Inigo Martinez (CB), Jules Kounde (RB), De Jong (CDM), Pedri (CM), Olmo (CM), Raphinha (LW), Lewandowski (ST), Lamine Yamal (RW).

Formation: 4-3-3

Atlético Madrid’s predicted Starting XI: Jan Oblak (GK), Javi Galan (LB), José María Gimenez (CB), Clement Lenglet (CB), Marcos Llorente (RB), Pablo Barrios (CM), Rodrigo De Paul (CM), Giuliano Simeone (RM), Samuel Lino (LM), Griezmann (ST), Julian Alvarez (ST).

Formation: 4-4-2