After opposite results midweek for both teams in the Copa Del Rey, Atletico Madrid will look to take back the lead in the La Liga race against Barcelona.
Form
It was a nervy start to their Cup game against Athletic Bilbao but Barcelona were able to steer themselves to a win and advance in the Copa Del Rey. An early goal from Inaki Williams helped level the aggregate for Athletic but a goal from Luis Suarez gave Barca the 3-2 aggregate lead in the 52th minute and they never looked back. Two more insurance goals from Neymar and Pique helped Barca get past the team that smashed them in the Spanish Super Cup in August. Now it's back to La Liga as they face Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona will have the chance to take a three point lead from Atletico if they come out with a win. They are currently tied on points with Atletico with 48 and a win would put a gap between Atletico and the Catalans. With games in the Champions League in a few weeks, this is an important test for Barcelona. After this fixture they will face Levante and Celta Vigo in La Liga play.
Atletico Madrid suffered a dissapointing midweek performance as they lost 3-2 to Celta Vigo and crashed out of the Copa Del Rey. After drawing 0-0 in the first leg, Madrid played poorly during the second leg and it costed them. Now it's back to La Liga as they face a very tough test in Barcelona. Atletico Madrid have fared pretty well in La Liga in the past few fixtures as they haven't lost so far in 2016.
But after leading the La Liga table after Christmas, they lost their lead after a 0-0 draw against Sevilla allowed Barcelona to take the lead in the La Liga race. It is still anyone's title but Atletico have to come away with three points if they want a really good shot at winning the title this year. After this game, Atletico Madrid will face off against Eibar and Getafe.
Team News
After appearing to injure himself against Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona winger Neymar is ok to play against Atletico as per his manager Luis Enrique.
Barca could also be without Arda Turan and Jordi Alba who are still recovering from injuries.
Atletico Madrid will be without Fernando Torres.
What They're Saying
"We are going to have difficult games and at the moment we are having halves of games that are not the best." said Barcelona manager Luis Enrique (via BEIN Sports) when asked about how he has assessed his teams play over the past few games.
"The best way to heal this wound is to win this Saturday," said Atletico defender JuanFran when asked about how his team will bounce back from the defeat midweek (via BEIN Sports)
Prediction
Barcelona have won five straight against Atletico and seem to be the only team that can crack their defense. It will be a tough game for Barcelona but as always, they find a way through. Three points for Barca.