Atletico Madrid v Barcelona: probable line-ups for La Liga summit clash

Atletico Madrid host La Liga leaders Barcelona at the Metropolitano in a high-profile meeting between the division’s top two sides on matchday 12.

Diego Simeone’s side sit second in the table and will be looking to close the gap on a Barcelona team that has established itself as the outright leader. The fixture brings together two of Spain’s leading clubs, with both teams facing important selection decisions before kick-off.

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid will be without defender Cristian Romero for the visit of the leaders. Midfielder Koke is also a doubt, leaving uncertainty over whether the experienced playmaker will be fit enough to take part.

Jan Oblak is expected to start in goal, with Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko and Alex Grimaldo forming the defensive line.

Lee Kang-in, Morten Hjulmand and Pablo Barrios are the likely midfield trio, while Giuliano Simeone, Julian Alvarez and Alex Baena are expected to lead the attack.

Probable Atletico Madrid XI: Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Alex Grimaldo; Lee Kang-in, Morten Hjulmand, Pablo Barrios; Giuliano Simeone, Julian Alvarez, Alex Baena.

Barcelona

Barcelona also travel with a lengthy injury list and will be missing several first-team players.

Rodri is among those unavailable, alongside Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Xavi Espart, Dani Olmo and Roony Bardghji. The absences leave Barcelona with a number of decisions to make as they prepare to defend their position at the top of the league.

Joan Garcia is expected to start in goal. The anticipated back four consists of Brian Farinas, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo.

Pedri, Marc Bernal and Fermin Lopez are named in the probable midfield, with Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Anthony Gordon set to form the attacking line.

Probable Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Brian Farinas, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo; Pedri, Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon.

The match is the 12th-round fixture of the Spanish championship and will be played at the Metropolitano, where Atletico Madrid will attempt to challenge the league leaders despite their own concerns over player availability.

The pre-match prices listed by 1xbet make Barcelona the favourites. Atletico Madrid are priced at 3.75 to win, a draw is rated at 4.33, while a Barcelona victory is available at 1.80.