class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With the post-Messi era proving to be as painful as many imagined for the Catalans, Diego Simeone's side should be able to heap more misery on Barca
Barcelona travel to the Wanda Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid in what is the biggest fixture of the season so far in La Liga.
The Blaugrana head to the Spanish capital on the verge of crisis, with under-pressure manager Ronald Koeman seeing his side lose both of their opening Champions League group games while currently sitting five points off top spot in La Liga.
A win in Madrid would provide some mild relief although Koeman’s future remains in serious doubt.
Atletico for their part have also failed to provide a convincing start to the campaign, yet Los Rojiblancos’ knack of scoring late goals has consistently spared their blushes.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona latest odds
Barcelona have failed to win any of their last four competitive matches against Diego Simeone’s men and come into the game as clear outsiders, priced at 3/1 (4.00) with bet365.
Atletico recorded a 1-0 victory in this fixture last term and are offered at 10/11 (1.91) with the draw at 5/2 (3.50).
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona team news
The hosts are without Geoffrey Kondogbia who is suspended, while Kieran Trippier could be a doubt with an ankle problem.
The visitors remain without Ousmane Dembele, Sergio Aguero and Martin Braithwaite while Jordi Alba is doubtful with the thigh injury which has kept him out of action for the last two weeks.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona preview
Neither side come into this game in convincing form yet, while Barca have succumbed to disappointment in recent weeks, Atletico have generally managed to grind out results.
Defensively Barca have looked particularly shaky with the Blaugrana keeping just two clean sheets in their eight competitive fixtures this term with the likes of struggling Granada and Getafe both scoring against them.
Indeed bottom-of-the-table Getafe managed more shots at Camp Nou than Barca in their 2-1 defeat there a couple of weeks ago, and sides have been able to create plenty of chances against Koeman’s men.
Atleti for their part have failed to score in three of their last five matches, yet their familiar forward line is much more impressive than that of their Catalan counterparts.
In midweek both Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann scored, the latter netting his first goal since his return to the Spanish capital and both men will be highly motivated against their former employers.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona tips & predictions
Atletico’s deep and talented squad is fully united behind their legendary coach, quite the opposite of the fractious situation which Barcelona are currently enduring.
The price of 10/11 (1.91) for a home win is certainly worth consideration, while backing Atletico to come from behind to win at 8/1 (9.00) also appeals with this selection paying out in three of their last six matches.
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Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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