How will Barcelona line up against Atletico?

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La Liga is back with a bang

Barcelona are back in action after the international break with a tricky trip to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium to take on Atletico Madrid.

It’s a tough game for Barca who haven’t had too much time to prepare with the full squad only back in training on Thursday due to international commitments.

Barca won’t face have to face former striker Luis Suarez but can still expect a tough test from Diego Simeone’s side who go into the match already six points ahead.

Let’s look at who Ronald Koeman might select:

Defence

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Marc-Andre ter Stegen will continue in goal and should be pretty fresh after staying back at Barcelona and not joining up with Germany for their Nations League fixtures.

In central defence Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet will feature, and there aren’t too many back-up options with Ronald Araujo and Samuel Umtiti still both out of action.

Sergino Dest will battle Sergi Roberto for the right-back slot, while Jordi Alba looks set to feature on the opposite flank.

Midfield

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Sergio Busquets is out of this one which means Miralem Pjanic has the perfect chance to try and cement his place in the starting XI. The midfielder should get his first La Liga start of the season at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Lining up alongside the 30-year-old will be Frenkie de Jong. The midfielder has played every single minute in La Liga so far this season under Ronald Koeman and will continue against Atletico.

Attack

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Koeman will also have to make changes in attack with Ansu Fati out for the next four months, although he may be able to call upon Philippe Coutinho again with the Brazilian expected to be passed fit.

Coutinho is not guaranteed to go straight back into the team though with Pedri a strong contender to keep his place. The 17-year-old was reportedly rested by the Spain Under-21s with a view to taking on Atletico.

Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann look set to continue, while Ousmane Dembele is another player pushing for a start after scoring a cracker against Real Betis last time out in La Liga.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Dest, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Pjanic, De Jong; Dembele, Messi, Pedri; Griezmann.

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

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