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Sparks will fly as two of La Liga's top four teams battle for supremacy at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Saturday night.
Atletico Madrid will look to return to winning ways after a heartbreaking 3-2 derby defeat against Real Madrid dropped them to fourth place in the Spanish top flight.
Barcelona, meanwhile, will set their sights on a fourth consecutive victory as they look to cement their lead at the top of the standings.
Read our Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona prediction, preview and betting tips. You can also check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Contents
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona key stats
- Barcelona are currently on an eight-match unbeaten run.
- Four of Atletico Madrid's last five games produced goals at both ends.
- Four of the last six H2Hs went above the 3.5-goal threshold.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona preview: Vengeance on the cards for the visitors?
| Atletico Madrid | vs | Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | Position | 1st |
| 57 | Points | 73 |
| 49 | Goals For | 78 |
| 28 | Goals Against | 28 |
| 12 | Clean Sheets | 12 |
| 2nd | Home Rank | 1st |
| 7th | Away Rank | 2nd |
*These figures were accurate at the time of publishing.
With Atletico’s defeat in the Madrid derby last time out, Diego Simeone's troops have now lost back-to-back games for the first time this year.
On the positive side, Atletico Madrid have been almost unstoppable at home, having won their last six matches across all competitions at Riyadh Air Metropolitano. This includes a shocking 4-0 victory over Barcelona, this weekend's opponents, in the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona have hit the woodwork more times than any other team in La Liga this season.
After months with few injury concerns, coach Simeone is now sweating over the health of several key members of his squad ahead of this crucial battle with league leaders Barcelona.
Atleti have been dealt a blow with the recent head injury to Alexander Sorloth, combined with the injury absences of Jan Oblak (muscle), Pablo Barrios (thigh), Rodrigo Mendoza (sprained ankle), and Marc Pubill (rib).
Los Colchoneros will also enter this contest depleted in midfield as Marcos Llorente and Johnny Cardoso are both suspended, having accumulated yellow cards.
With a massive Champions League quarter-final against one another looming next week, both managers will be desperate to avoid further injury setbacks. However, despite the need for rotation, Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann are expected to spearhead the Atletico attack on Saturday night.
Barcelona have averaged more corners than any other team in the Spanish top flight this campaign.
On the other hand, Barcelona extended their winning streak in La Liga to five games with a narrow 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano before the international break.
Hansi Flick's men have not been very impressive on the road of late, having won only one of their last four away games across all competitions (D1, L2).
Star forward Raphinha suffered another hamstring injury while featuring for Brazil during the international break, which is a big blow for the team considering he won't be available for selection until May.
Youngster Toni Fernandez is unavailable due to an ankle issue, Andreas Christensen is a long-term absentee due to a serious knee injury, while Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong both remain out with hamstring issues.
La Masia graduates Alejandro Balde and Xavi Espart are also ruled out of this trip because of hamstring injuries, prompting Flick to stick with Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo on either side of the defensive line.
The absence of Raphinha is expected to give Marcus Rashford a starting berth alongside Lamine Yamal on either side of the flanks, with Robert Lewandowski playing up top.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona form guide & betting tips
| Atletico Madrid | vs | Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| W-W-W-W-L | Form | W-W-W-W-W |
| 12 | Points | 15 |
| 2nd | Form Table | 1st |
| 11 | Goals For | 14 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 3 |
Whispers Predicts: Atletico Madrid 2-2 Barcelona
At 2.25, Barcelona are considered favourites by the bookies.
However, Atletico Madrid have won 13 of their 15 home games in the Spanish top flight this season, and considering their 4-0 victory over Barcelona at this stadium a few weeks ago, we believe the hosts will hold their own, despite their injury crisis.
Given that four or more goals were scored in four of the last six encounters between these sides, over 3.5 total goals at 2.20 could be worth a punt.
We also fancy the draw & over 3.5 combo, which is priced at 8.30.
> BTTS - Yes at 1.46 | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 3.5 goals at 2.20 | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result - Draw at 3.90 | Likelihood: Possible
> Draw & BTTS - Yes at 4.10 | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score: 2-2 at 10.50 | Likelihood: Outsider