Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Luckster
In what is a heavyweight La Liga battle on Saturday night, Atletico Madrid will welcome Barcelona to the Spanish capital this weekend.
Atletico Madrid
Starting with the hosts, heading into March’s international break with major heartbreak away at arch-rivals Real Madrid as they eventually fell to a frantic 3-2 defeat, Atletico will certainly be seeking an immediate response here. Extending on their Champions League adventure last month as they dragged themselves to a rollercoaster 7-5 aggregate victory against English strugglers Tottenham, Diego Simeone’s men will be excited to make a return to the Metropolitano this weekend. Including a sensational 4-0 Copa del Rey romp against Barcelona on February 12th, Atletico have won all of their last six consecutive showdowns in front of their own supporters. Likewise, Simeone’s camp have also notched a staggering 21 goals on that six-match winning run at the Metropolitano.
Atletico Madrid Team News
In what was a real double blow for Atletico during the international break, USA international Johnny Cardoso and Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth sustained respective knocks and are expected to miss out here.
Shown a costly booking against Los Blancos last week, Spanish international Marcos Llorente will serve a one-match suspension here. Despite announcing that he will be leading Atletico this summer after agreeing a permanent deal with MLS outfit Orlando, French superstar Antoine Griezmann will feature this weekend.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, heading into March’s international break with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona are sat in pole position to defend their domestic crown this season. Marking their return holding a four-point buffer over Los Blancos, Hansi Flick’s side will know the importance of making a heavyweight statement this weekend. Extending on their respective Champions League charge on March 18th as they secured a thumping 8-3 aggregate win against Newcastle, the former Newcastle boss certainly finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Unbeaten in all of their previous eight appearances across all competitions (seven wins, one draw), Barcelona have also gained a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third.
Barcelona Team News
Left furious last week after Raphinha suffered a reported thigh injury while away with Brazil, the former Leeds star is expected to miss out here. Likewise, the duo of Andreas Christensen and Dutch international Frenkie de Jong are still recovering from respective hamstring injuries.
Despite suffering major World Cup heartbreak while away with Poland last week, veteran striker Robert Lewandowski should spearhead Barca’s charge. Registering 23 direct goal contributions in his 25 La Liga appearances this season (14 goals, nine assists), Lamine Yamal will play a leading role in the final third.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
- When Atletico Madrid and Barcelona met for a thrilling Copa del Rey semi-final battle last month, Simeone’s side claimed a thrilling 4-3 aggregate win.
- Barca are unbeaten in all of their previous eight appearances across all competitions (seven wins, one draw).
- Atletico have won all of their last six consecutive showdowns at the Metropolitano across all competitions.
- However, Atletico have shipped at least a pair of goals in five of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
- Seven of the last eight meetings between Atletico and Barcelona have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
With all eyes falling on the Metropolitano this weekend, we look set for what is a blockbuster Spanish battle. Watching Atletico Madrid extend on their Copa del Rey adventure last month as they secured a thrilling 4-3 aggregate win, neutrals will be hoping for another thriller this weekend. With Simeone’s side shipping at least a pair of goals in five of their previous six appearances across all competitions, chances should come thick and fast from the Spanish capital. It should also be noted, seven of the previous eight showdowns between the Spanish giants have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Luckster
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