Prediction: Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona

Verdict: Barcelona to win, both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 15/4

Bookmaker: bet365

The international break is over and top-flight football is set to return in Europe. And while there are several big games all over the continent, few can be considered as bigger than the one Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona will play this Saturday at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled at 19:45 BST.

Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone’s men have been a tad inconsistent to start the season both at the domestic and European level. They are contenders on both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. But the results have not gone their way thus far. Even though Atletico remain unbeaten in La Liga with four wins and three draws, they sit in fourth place with 14 points. Their record could be better, but draws against Girona and Leganes away from home have prevented them from reaching a higher point total. But Atletico have three wins in the past four matches, and it seems they are on the right track at the moment. Could they use their momentum to top Barca and move up to the second place in the league standings? Considering their position, it seems a win is mandatory if they want to maintain themselves within reach of the top of the table in the foreseeable future. And their rock-solid defence (one that has allowed just four goals in the current Liga campaign) will have to be at its best to pull the upset against Los Blaugranas.

Team News

Simeone does not have confirmed absentees ahead of this game. However, that does not mean the team is at full strength.

Augusto Fernandez and Flilipe Luis are both dealing with muscular problems. Both will need to undergo late-fitness tests to determine their availability.

FC Barcelona

Many experts believed the departure of Neymar and the adjustments to a new manager would make Barcelona struggle in the beginning of the season. However, their results have been far better than expected, and they look like a dominant team right on both the domestic and European scenarios. Los Blaugranas have won their seven Liga matches and sit at the top of the standings with 21 points, five clear the second-placed team. And Los Cules have also scored 23 goals (averating north of three per match) while conceding just twice. Lionel Messi has been in torrid form with 11 goals and currently sits at the top of the scoring charts in La Liga, but he can’t do everything on his own. The rest of the team will need to step it up because Atletico have one of the best defences in the entire league. But they have proven they can be dangerous already, and are favourites for good reason. Winning at Wanda Metropolitano would only enhance their status as the top contending team in Spain.

Team News

Ousmane Dembele (thigh) and Rafinha (knee) are out for this game. The French winger has at least two more months left in his recovery process.

Andres Iniesta (muscular injury) will undergo a late-fitness test to determine his availability for this match.

Key Factors to Consider

• It will be Barcelona’s first ever visit to the Wanda Metropolitano.
• Barcelona are the top team in Spain at the moment. They have won their seven league matches and have only allowed two goals over that span.
• Both sides are unbeaten in La Liga. Only three teams in Spain remain on that condition, with Valencia (4W 3D) being the other team.
• Atletico have never beaten Barcelona in La Liga since Diego Simeone took charge of Los Colchoneros back in December 2011.
• Barcelona have won their last four away games across all competitions this season. They have conceded just once over that span.
• Atletico have only conceded four goals during the current league campaign.

Conclusion

Atletico Madrid are likely to get a boost due to the fact they will play at home, and could easily score at least once. But Barcelona are on an impressive run of form of late. They will maintain their perfect run in LaLiga for at least one more week.

Expect both team to score and Barcelona to win once it’s all said and done.

Verdict: Barcelona to win, both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 15/4

Bookmaker: bet365