- Date: Sunday December 3 – 20:00 GMT
- Location: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Montjuïc, Barcelona, Spain
- Teams: FC Barcelona vs Atletico de Madrid
A key match in the La Liga title race takes place on Sunday as fourth placed Barcelona host third placed Atletico Madrid. Betting.com bring you all the information you need ahead of kick off.
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Barcelona host Atleti as both sides look to get back in the title race
It is fourth against third at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys as Barcelona host Atletico Madrid. The two teams are level on points, three behind second placed Girona, surprise title contenders this season and four behind leaders Real Madrid.
FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona are in fourth place in La Liga after last weekend’s draw with Rayo Vallecano. So far they have struggled to find the consistency of last season where they won the title. Their squad looks to have a good mix of youth and experience, however, the loss of Gavi with a season ending injury is a huge blow to the Blaugranas.
In addition to this, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is doubtful. He picked up a back problem at the start of the international break and has now missed one La Liga match and the Champions League victory over Porto. Barcelona are hoping that his is fit for the Atletic clash, however, Inaki Pena is set to deputise if he does not make it.
Barcelona come into the match off the back of a win against Porto in the Champions League, securing their place in the last 16. Their last La Liga match was a 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano.
Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid, known for their defensive solidity, discipline, work rate and counterattacking under Diego Simeone are in third position in the league and will travel to Barcelona with the intention of making things difficult for their hosts. They come into the match boosted by a good performance and a win away at Feyenoord in the Champions League as they confirmed their place in the round of 16. Their previous league outing saw them beat Real Mallorca 1-0.
Atletico are still without Thomas Lemar and Vitolo with Achilles and knee injuries respectively. Other than that, Simeone will have his full squad available for selection.
Prediction
The contest between these two giants of Spanish football promises to be a spectacle of tactics and tensions. Montjuïc is expected to witness a match where strategy and concentration will be as important as individual talent.
The clash between Barcelona’s possessive playing style and Atleti’s more cautious approach will be an interesting watch. Barcelona are likely to have the initiative and control the ball, while Atlético will seek to surprise with quick transitions.
Barcelona will be under pressure to win this after some recent setbacks and I think that they will. I predict a narrow home win. It is unlikely that there will be a lot of goals so punters may want to go for less than 3.5 goals.
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