Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will face each other again in an exciting derby match. This matchup, which will be a decisive game for the title, will take place on Saturday, May 8, in Round 35 of La Liga 2020/21.
If such a big game is exciting enough no matter the round nor the tournament, this one is even more special, as both sides are battling for the first place of the standings. While the leaders, Atleti, started to fall apart in the last games, they are still the front-runners to snatch the title, but if they slip-up against the Blaugrana, it will all be over.
The one who claims the win in this derby will be having a massive boost to keep on chasing the national trophy. The loser, on the other hand, would be left a bit behind in the title race. As the Madrid side and the Catalan outfit will be taking the pitch this Saturday, let's check out how both may line up.
Barcelona possible starting XI
The injuries to Barca have not improved since the victory over Valencia, where all are still on the sidelines Martin Braithwaite, Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati. The Blaugrana have no new injury concerns, so Koeman again has a choice, with the Dutchman choosing a range of different training groups.
In the back three, Ronald Araujo could get a node over Oscar Mingueza, and Sergi Roberto will be preferred to Sergino Dest in the back spot on the right. Griezmann is ready to stay next to Messi as a front two, so it is anticipated that Ousmane Dembele will start for the home side.
Ter Stegen; Araujo, Pique, Lenglet; Roberto, De Jong, Busquets, Pedri, Alba; Messi, Griezmann.
Atletico Madrid's possible lineup
During the second half of this season, Simeone has been struck with many injuries in the first team, but they look stable entering the final stage.
Renan Lodi was the only player absent last time because of muscle problems with Elche, and it is unlikely that the Brazilian can recover for the game, but the visitors will otherwise be able to pick from a complete squad.
Jose Gimenez was a little doubtful, but he should feature in the defense of three, while Thomas Lemar is likely to start in the midfield over Saul Niguez and Geoffrey Kondogbia, with Luis Suarez joining Angel Correa up front.
Oblak; Savic, Gimenez, Hermoso; Trippier, Llorente, Koke, Lemar, Carrasco; Suarez, Correa.
