Just one point splits leaders Barcelona and third-placed Atletico Madrid ahead of Sunday night’s encounter. Given the huge stakes for the title race, it’s hard to see a repeat of last month’s 4-4 draw in the Copa del Rey.
Barca’s trip to Atletico kicks-off at 8pm on Sunday night at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and we have you covered with predictions, betting tips and in-depth analysis of this huge La Liga contest.
Tip 1
Julian Alvarez had a tough night against Real Madrid in the Champions League during the week, with his ‘double-touch’ penalty playing a big part in their elimination. The Argentine had five shots across the 120 minutes, with three of those hitting the target. However, he was unable to follow up on his strike at the Bernabeu in the first leg of the tie.
Alvarez has settled well in the Spanish capital, with his strong displays showing he’s ready to inherit Antoine Griezmann’s mantle at Atletico. The forward has scored five goals in his last six appearances and he’s netted 22 times in his debut season in Spain.
Alvarez struck a minute into last month’s meeting with Barca and he’s well-priced to score another big goal.
Tip 2
These two sides have shared 38 yellow cards across their last six meetings, while the last two clashes in Madrid have seen a total of three red cards.
Each of Barca’s three sendings off in La Liga have occurred on the road, while two of Atletico’s three reds have been shown at home. The pair have been shown a combined 10 reds across all competitions, so look to another sending off in this encounter.
Atletico Madrid are third in La Liga, having won 16 of their 27 matches this season.
No side in La Liga has picked up more points at home than Atletico, who have taken 34 points from 14 matches at their own ground.
The visitors are in the middle of the pack in the form table, having taken 12 points from their last eight matches.
The hosts will be without the suspended Angel Correa, while Koke and Rodrigo De Paul are expected to face late fitness tests.
Atletico Madrid Predicted XI: Oblak; Molina, Gimenez, Lenglet, Reinildo; Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Gallagher; Alvarez, Griezmann.
Barcelona lead the way in La Liga heading into this weekend, they’re above Real Madrid on goal difference.
Barca are the form side in the division, having won six La Liga outings on the bounce.
The visitors cruised past Benfica in midweek to secure a place in the last eight of the Champions League.
The Catalan side continue to miss long-term absentee Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Barcelona Predicted XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Atletico Madrid were able to snap a five-game losing streak against Barcelona when they visited the Catalan outfit in December.
Atletico claimed a smash-and-grab 2-1 victory which caused a huge swing in the title race.
The two sides met in Barcelona again last month, with the first-leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final finishing 4-4.
Atletico Madrid have been shown 20 yellow cards and two reds across their last six home meetings with Barca.
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