Atletico vs Barcelona: Preview, predicted line-ups and fantasy tips. LaLiga Matchday 12

We bring you the predicted line-ups and statistical data of interest for your favourite fantasy game.

We also take a bit of a punt and give you a captain, a striker, a wall and a risk pick from each team.

Atletico - Barcelona

Match date: 08/11-21:00

Atlético de Madrid

Atletico come into this one in excellent LaLiga form, with seven straight wins, the latest a 0-2 victory at Levante. However, the defeat to Bayern (0-2) in the Champions League has raised doubts about their performance against top-level opposition. Simeone will be looking for an immediate response at the Metropolitano, where the red-and-whites remain unbeaten in the league and where they hope to stamp their authority and show that they really are ready to fight for the title.

Cuti Romero is the only expected absentee. The Argentine is still not training with the group and will not make Sunday. The good news is the return of Johnny Cardoso, who trained with his team-mates again on Thursday. Hjulmand will also be available after serving a suspension in the Champions League, while Koke already made his return against Bayern. Simeone therefore regains practically all his options in midfield.

Main doubts in the starting XI: Koke or Hjulmand in midfield, with Cardoso as an alternative. The rest of the side looks set to be the same one that has been on a positive run in LaLiga.

##APUESTAS2APUESTAS##

FC Barcelona

A real test for FC Barcelona. After the doubts and getting back to winning ways, comes one of the most demanding away trips of the year, one that will put on the line, as well as Flick's side's ability, the leadership the Blaugrana have held since the opening matchday.

The demands of the fixture list, especially in recent weeks, have left a trail of injuries and the absences of Christensen, Rodri, Xavi Espart, Olmo and Roony Bardghji, while the doubts over Éric García and Kounde bear that out.

Hansi Flick is expected to go full strength on Sunday, with the only unknowns being who will replace Rodri and whether he can recover any defenders, with the answer to the first question lying between Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal and, as for the second, it is likely that Kounde, Éric and even Christensen could make the squad, but they will struggle to make the starting XI.

##APUESTAS3APUESTAS##