Pedri, De Jong start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

FC Barcelona face one of their most challenging game of the season tonight as they take on Atletico Madrid in the rearranged Matchday 19 La Liga fixture at the Spotify Camp Nou.

After being hammered by Chelsea in midweek, Barça bounced back to winning ways by defeating Deportivo Alaves 3-1, which, coupled with Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw, meant they finished the matchday as league leaders.

But, Hansi Flick & co. face one of the most in-form teams in La Liga tonight, with Diego Simeone’s men having won each of their previous seven matches across all competitions.

Barcelona go into the game without Fermin Lopez, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Gavi, all of whom are injured, while Ronald Araujo is also unavailable as he has requested time off to address his mental health.

There may be one or two changes made to the lineup that took the field against Alaves on Saturday as Flick aims to mastermind a victory over Atletico Madrid.

Defence

Joan Garcia has shown the difference he can make since returning from injury, with his performance against Alaves being key for the team’s victory. As such, his presence in the Barcelona goal is guaranteed.

As for the defensive line, Pau Cubarsi is a permanent fixture at the heart of the backline. Gerard Martin was used as his partner against Alaves and the left-back performed well in the makeshift role.

Eric Garcia could play at centre-back tonight. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

However, going up against a formidable Atletico team comprising forwards like Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez, it is likely that Eric Garcia is the one partnering Cubarsi, allowing Jules Kounde to return to the right-back position. Alejandro Balde will continue on the left.

Midfield

The big news is that Hansi Flick will have his best midfield partnership fit and available for the game tonight.

Pedri has recovered from his injury and played a few minutes vs Alaves, while Frenkie de Jong is also back after missing the last game due to family reasons. Both will start against Atletico in the double pivot, with Marc Bernal and Marc Casado making way.

Meanwhile, with Fermin Lopez unavailable, Dani Olmo is the undisputed starter in the No. 10 role, and the Spaniard will be raring to go after his brace against Alaves over the weekend.

Attack

Raphinha started his first game after returning from injury against Alaves and was brilliant during his time on the pitch, creating two goals for the team while also leading the press from the front. As such, he is a certainty to feature on the left flank.

Meanwhile, Barcelona talisman Lamine Yamal is a confirmed presence on the right, and he will hope to score again at Camp Nou, having done so over the weekend.

The final spot will be a toss-up between Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski, and the former might edge out the veteran for a starting berth. The Spanish international, after all, offers more in terms of off-the-ball press and movement.

Marcus Rashford will be an option from the bench as well.