How will Barcelona line up against Atletico Madrid?

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Ronald Koeman’s last game in charge?

Barcelona are back in La Liga action on Saturday against Atletico Madrid in the final game before the latest international break.

It seems likely Ronald Koeman will be in charge still for the match but it could well be his final game as coach of the Catalan giants.

Koeman will once again be in the stands which means Alfred Schreuder and his tight trousers will be roaming the touchline at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Let’s look at who might feature:

Defense

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There will hopefully be changes in defense with Koeman employing three center-backs against Benfica which did not work out at all well.

Gerard Pique was withdrawn early on Wednesday but could start again here alongside Ronald Araujo with Eric Garcia likely to miss out after his midweek red card.

Oscar Mingueza and Sergino Dest should continue at full-back unless Jordi Alba makes it back in time after a hamstring injury.

Midfield

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Koeman has plenty of options in midfield and it will be interesting to see who he goes with against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Pedri went straight back into the starting XI against Benfica and could continue alongside Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets.

Yet youngsters Gavi and Nico Gonzalez are pressing hard for starts and it would be no surprise, in fact it would be really good, to see at least one in the starting XI.

Attack

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The big question in attack is whether Koeman is willing to start Luuk de Jong again after a real stinker in the Champions League in midweek.

Barca’s injury situation means Koeman doesn’t have too many other options with Ansu Fati likely to be a substitute once again as he slowly works his way back to full fitness.

Philippe Coutinho was only a substitute against Benfica which suggests he could start against Atletico, while Memphis Depay and Yusuf Demir are also options for the visitors.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Pique, Araujo, Dest; Busquets, De Jong; Gavi, Coutinho, Pedri; Memphis.

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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