La Liga may have lost a bit of prestige and glamor in recent years, but there is no doubt that the football world will have its eyes riveted on the Wanda Metropolitano tonight, where Atlético de Madrid is hosting FC Barcelona for a huge shock (to be followed live on Foot Mercato from 9 p.m.). Unbeaten in the league, the Colchoneros made a huge start to the season, led by an excellent João Félix. Second best attack and best defense in the league, the Colchoneros are third, three units behind the leader, Real Sociedad, all with two games behind.
Opposite, FC Barcelona that Diego Simeone has never managed to beat in the league. What if this was the perfect opportunity to do it? Ronald Koeman’s team is not always calm at the moment, especially away from home, and has big gaps in its defense. But the Catalans can not afford another misstep and must win under penalty of being seriously left behind.
Simeone has never beaten Barca in La Liga
For this duel, the Argentine coach is deprived of several elements, such as Luis Suarez and Lucas Torreira, positive for the coronavirus, as well as Hector Herrera, who had become important in the midfield. Jan Oblak is therefore expected in the cages, protected by a Savic-Giménez duo. On the flanks, we should find Trippier and Renan Lodi. The middle duo will be Koke and Saul, with Carrasco and Marcos Llorente on the wings. In front, the Felix-Correa duo will want to undermine the Catalan defense.
Ronald Koeman is deprived of Ansu Fati, injured, and Busquets. Ter Stegen will be present in the cages, with a quartet Sergi Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba as a defense. Pjanic and De Jong will compose the double-pivot, in support of Messi, Dembélé and Pedri. Finally, Antoine Griezmann will play at the forefront against his ex-team. Coutinho should make his return to competition off the bench.
