FC Barcelona welcome rivals Atletico Madrid to the Spotify Camp Nou for a much-anticipated clash in La Liga Santander. The rivals from Madrid come in red hot form, while those from Barcelona will be aching to find their own best form back against such top opponents.
Lining up in a 4-3-3 as expected, Xavi Hernandez seems to be aiming for a game where his side dominates possession and ensures control throughout.
In goal, the inevitable Marc Andre Ter Stegen starts. The number 1 has been inching closer and closer to his first-ever Zamora trophy as a Barcelona keeper and will be hoping to utilize his quality attributes to keep Atletico Madrid at bay.
Covering the flanks of the defensive line are Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde. Between the two is a pairing of the ever-reliable Ronald Araujo and the experienced Marcos Alonso. With the absence of Andreas Christensen, it remains a problem for Xavi to find a solution in the meantime for his alternative option.
The midfield finds a duo of rejuvenating spark returns to its core. Frenkie De Jong returns to Xavi’s starting lineup paired with the young Gavi. The two will be looking to wreak creative havoc with the mind of Sergio Busquets right behind them in the pivot position.
Finishing off the team is the 3 man frontline. Robert Lewandowski takes his usual spot in between the two wingers, with the Brazilian Raphinha playing off of his right and the Spaniard Ferran Torres on his left operating as the secondary forward and left winger.
The following is the official lineup tweet:
