Barcelona predicted lineup vs Atletico Madrid - La Liga

Xavi has watched two goalless draws on the trot
Xavi has watched two goalless draws on the trot / Angel Martinez/GettyImages
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Barcelona will look to snap a run of three games without a goal when they face a resurgent Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Barça followed up their hefty Copa del Rey defeat to Real Madrid with goalless draws to Girona and Getafe, though they still have a nine-point lead at the top of La Liga.

Here's the side Xavi could pick to beat an Atletico side looking to snatch second place from Real.


Barcelona predicted lineup vs Atletico Madrid (4-3-3)

Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Ter Stegen has had a wonderful season / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen - Has conceded only nine goals in La Liga this season, a remarkable effort.

RB: Jules Kounde - Will end the season with more starts at right-back than centre-back for his new club. Sergi Roberto's absence means he will continue here.

CB: Ronald Araujo - Having to lead Barça in defense without partner Andreas Christensen.

CB: Eric Garcia - Could start ahead of Marcos Alonso, who has been thrown into central defence more regularly than you'd think this season.

LB: Alejandro Balde - Looks to have usurped Jordi Alba in the left-back standings and should have the spot for the foreseeable future.

CM: Gavi - Pedri is still sidelined and Gavi's industry and tenacity will come in handy against one of the most provacative teams in Europe.


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CM: Sergio Busquets - MLS interest in Busquets is strong, though Xavi is eager for the veteran to stick around a little longer.

CM: Franck Kessie - Roberto might have filled in here, but his absence gives a starting opportunity for Kessie, who has made 16 La Liga appearances from the bench this season.

RW: Raphinha - Must provide more creativity and guile in attack if Barça are to break down a feared Atleti back line.

ST: Robert Lewandowski - Recently admitted he hasn't been that good since the World Cup. Still leads the La Liga scoring charts (17) with three more than Karim Benzema.

LW: Ansu Fati - The young Spaniard's starting spot is by no means assured - he only has one goal in his last 16 appearances.


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