BARCELONA POTENTIAL LINEUP ALONGSIDE ATLETICO MADRID: MALCOM TO START; RAKITIC, COUTINHO OUT

Barcelona will travel to Atletico Madrid ground tonight to play against La Liga title contenders Atletico Madrid.

Catalan side Barcelona are set to challenge with Atletico Madrid this weekend, as La Liga returns to action after the last 2018 international break.

Barcelona are at the top of the Spanish table after twelve fixtures played, with just one point above Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, who occupy the second and third position respectively. Having been crushed 4-3 by Real Betis in their last game, Ernesto Valverde’s side will be eager to bounce back strongly, but face a tough test against Los Rojiblancos side.

Having qualified for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, the manager will not be doubtful to field his strongest side for tonight match, despite Barcelona to play PSV Eindhoven in Champions League match on Wednesday.

Barcelona goalie Marc-Andre ter Stegen didn’t feature for Germany throughout the international break, as he was recovering from some slight injury problem. He will play for Barcelona against Diego Simeone’s side. Sergi Roberto is expected to plays at right-back ahead of Nelson Semedo, while Jordi Alba at left-back.

The Catalans have received an injury boost in defence, as Samuel Umtiti returning after months out on the sidelines.

Speaking about the Frenchman in his pre-match conference, Barcelona Boss Valverde said: “We’ve been playing with the same central-defence and they’ve done extremely well but now we have another selection. Looking at the matches, we’ve got coming up its good news he’s back with the team.”

But, despite the French International being available for option, the manager is expected to play with the partnership of Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet alongside Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona midfielder, Ivan Rakitic is suspended for the clash, having been sent off in the match against Real Betis. His place is expected to be taken up by summer signee Arturo Vidal, who was on the score-sheet against Real Betis. Sergio Busquets is a guaranteed starter for Barcelona in midfield, with Brazilian Arthur ready to take up the third midfield space.

Philippe Coutinho was excluded with the Brazil national team through the break, due to an injury. While the playmaker has partaken in a little training session prior to the match, Barcelona Boss will not risk him to play tonight.

“He has partaken in some training this week, not every session; we’ll see how he responds. We don’t want to take too many risks because there are other big matches ahead,” the manager said about the Brazilian star’s situation.

Philippe Coutinho’s spot on the left flank is up for takes, with Ousmane Dembele and Malcom competing for the starting. However, it is the latter that might get the nod on Saturday ahead of the French International.

Club captain Lionel Messi made a fast return from an arm damage to score a brace against Betis in the last fixture. He is a sure starter on the right side of the forward, with Uruguayan man Luis Suarez ready to lead the line-up for the Catalans tonight.