How Atletico Madrid could line up against Barcelona

Atletico Madrid's pursuit of their first La Liga win over Barcelona since 2010 will continue on Sunday night when they welcome the Spanish champions to the Wanda Metropolitano.

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Diego Simeone's side will enter the match off the back of a 1-0 loss to Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday night, while they were held to a 1-1 draw at Granada in the league last weekend.

Atletico have actually shared the points in seven of their 14 La Liga outings this season, although they are fourth in the table, just three points off leaders Barca.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how the home side could line up in the capital.


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Out: Stefan Savic (muscle), Diego Costa (neck), Sime Vrsaljko (knee)
Doubtful: Jose Gimenez (thigh)

Atletico will again be without the services of key central defender Stefan Savic due to a thigh problem, while experienced striker Diego Costa is out until at least February after undergoing a neck operation.

Sime Vrsaljko is also unavailable as he battles to recover from knee surgery, but Jose Gimenez was pictured in training earlier this week ahead of the clash with Barca.

That said, the 24-year-old has not featured since October 22 and is therefore unlikely to be thrown in this weekend, meaning that Mario Hermoso and Felipe should continue at the heart of the defence.

Saul Niguez and Thomas Partey were both suspended for the clash with Granada last weekend but are now available, while Joao Felix stepped up his recovery from an ankle injury by appearing against Juve.

As a result, the big-money summer arrival is expected to be given the nod alongside Alvaro Morata in the final third, with Angel Correa also being tipped to start in a wide position.

> Click here to see how Barca could line up for this fixture

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