How will Barcelona line up against Atletico Madrid?

Barcelona face a crucial game in La Liga on Saturday as second-placed Atletico Madrid are the visitors to the Camp Nou.

Ernesto Valverde’s side go into the game eight points clear of Los Colchoneros and know victory will all but seal the title, while defeat will give the visitors renewed hope in the title race.

Barcelona may also have one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Manchester United when it comes to their team selection, so let’s have a look at who might feature.

Defence

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Gerard Pique was given a rest against Villarreal and was badly missed but should return to the defence alongside Clement Lenglet with Samuel Umtiti making way.

Nelson Semedo could also replace Sergi Roberto at right-back with Jordi Alba completing the defence ahead of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Midfield

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Valverde has decisions to make in midfield but will have to make do without the suspended Arturo Vidal.

Arthur’s form has also come under scrutiny in recent games, but it seems likely he will start alongside Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets.

Valverde could also look to use Roberto further forward or even drop Philippe Coutinho back into midfield if he fancies freshening things up.

Attack

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Ousmane Dembele has returned to training but is expected to miss out again as he recovers from hamstring trouble.

Malcom has been impressive in recent games and may well start again after grabbing a goal and an assist against Villarreal.

Lionel Messi should start after getting a bit of a breather in midweek, while it’s possible Luis Suarez could be rotated having started against both Espanyol and Villarreal and with Man Utd on the horizon.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Arthur; Malcom, Messi, Coutinho.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Atletico Madrid? Let us know your line-ups, predictions and thoughts in the comments below!