The starting eleven AS predicts for Atlético de Madrid - Barcelona

Atlético's possible starting eleven according to AS

Atlético de Madrid

Based on the formation shown by AS, Simeone could opt for a starting eleven with Musso in goal; Hancko, Le Normand, and Nahuel Molina in defense; Ruggeri and Giuliano on the flanks; Koke and Baena in the middle; and up front a very mobile line with Lookman, Griezmann, and Julián Álvarez. It is a setup that fits the current state of the team and, above all, the problems Atlético faces in midfield and with some important members of the usual starting eleven.

Atlético's current picture involves several significant absences. Marcos Llorente is suspended for this league match, Johnny Cardoso is sidelined with a muscle injury, and Pablo Barrios was still in the infirmary in the days leading up to it. Also, AS had been reporting that Oblak was still on the sidelines, so the inclusion of Musso in the starting eleven makes a lot of sense. Given that situation, Cholo seems forced to simplify the plan: more order, less internal risk, and a lot of threat in behind with Giuliano, Lookman, and Julián.

Barcelona's possible starting eleven according to AS

FC Barcelona

On the blaugrana side, the graphic from AS suggests a Barça with Joan García in goal; Eric García, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and Cancelo in defense; Pedri and Bernal in the holding midfield roles; and ahead Lamine Yamal, Fermín, Rashford, and Ferran Torres. On paper, it sounds like a fairly coherent eleven with Flick's current scenario: regain stability at the back, maintain control with Pedri, and reinvent the attacking front due to Raphinha's absence.

The big news for Barça is that all internationals returned to training except Raphinha, who remains the major absence. The Brazilian will be out for about five weeks, missing this league tie and also the two Champions League matches against Atlético. In exchange, Flick is regaining players: Eric looks set to return and has many chances to start, while Koundé and Balde are already very close, although AS has hinted that maybe they are not yet at peak fitness to start.