Atlético Madrid Expected Lineup And Team News Vs. FC Barcelona

Atlético Madrid's Streak Continues: What You Need to Know Before Barça Clash

Tuesday night sees La Liga's top three collide at the Spotify Camp Nou, with FC Barcelona hosting Atlético Madrid in a 9pm CET (3pm ET) kick-off. The visitors arrive off the back of a seven-game winning streak across all competitions, their last victory coming in dramatic fashion against their arch-rivals 12 months ago.

Atlético's strong form has been built on a solid defensive foundation, with only 17 minutes of being behind in the scoreline this season. Their most recent win came against Inter Milan, where they edged out the Italian giants 2-1 in injury time, while also dispatching newly-promoted Real Oviedo 2-0 at home.

However, this game represents one of Atlético's toughest tests yet, with FC Barcelona posing a significant challenge. Diego Simeone will face an uphill battle to replicate their previous success against the Cules, but he'll be buoyed by his team's impressive recent form.

One man who won't be involved in the lineup is right-back Marcos Llorente, who continues to nurse a hamstring injury sustained against Getafe after the international break. Fellow defender Robin Le Normand also faces an uncertain return from knee injury, and may not feature even if fit enough.

In contrast, winger Nico González has overcome an illness that kept him in hospital earlier this week and will be available for action, while Álex Baena returns to the squad following a half-time withdrawal against Real Oviedo. However, midfielder Koke is just one yellow card away from facing suspension.

Now, as for Atlético's expected lineup, Jan Oblak will start between the posts, with Nahuel Molina and José María Giménez forming an imposing centre-back partnership alongside David Hancko at left-back. Matteo Ruggeri may come under consideration in a more advanced defensive role, potentially usurping Thiago Almada or Clement Lenglet on the flank.

Behind the midfield trio of Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, and Koke, Álex Baena is set to spearhead the attack alongside Julián Álvarez. However, the extent to which Nico González will be involved remains uncertain, with Simeone potentially opting for Conor Gallagher's defensive tenacity over his pace and agility on the flank.

Finally, in central midfield, Johnny Cardoso's impressive display against Inter Milan could see him push Koke for a holding midfield spot. The latter's captaincy is under no threat, but it will be interesting to see how Simeone chooses to deploy his star man.

In short, Atlético Madrid are coming into this game on the back of an incredible run of form and look well-equipped to cause an upset against FC Barcelona. However, the unpredictable nature of the game means that everything is still up for grabs, with several variables set to influence Simeone's tactics.

Atlético Madrid are killin' it right now! They've got 7 wins in a row and I'm hyped to see what they do against Barça Diego Simeone's got his team in top shape, but that FC Barcelona squad is super tough I mean, who wouldn't want to take on the likes of Messi and Ter Stegen? It's gonna be a close game, though - Atlético's defense has been rock solid this season But if they can keep their cool and work together, I think they've got a good shot at pullin' off an upset We'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out

idk why atlético's always gotta be so defensive lol atm they're on a 7-game win streak but it's like simeone's stuck in a rut i mean, barcelona's gonna try and exploit the midfield with that koke suspension looming over his head guess we'll just have to see if atlético can finally mix things up a bit

I'm loving how Atlético Madrid is killing it right now . Their defense has been solid all season and they're making some smart moves to take down their opponents. Nico González is back in the mix after being out sick, which should give them an extra boost on the wings.

But Barça's gonna be tough, you know? They've got a lot of talent and they've been doing well this season too. It'll be interesting to see how Simeone sets up his team to counter their attacking threat. I'm predicting a close match with plenty of twists and turns .

One thing that might give Atlético an edge is their ability to grind out wins . They're not just relying on individual brilliance, but also on their collective effort to wear down the opposition. If they can do that against Barça, it could be a long night for the Cules .

Oh, and I'm loving the drama surrounding Koke's suspension . Will he get sent off? It'll be a big moment in the game if he does .

I wonder if Atlético Madrid's winning streak is just a facade. Is it possible that their strong form is masking underlying weaknesses? They're getting by on defense, but what about their attack? Will they be able to break down FC Barcelona's solid wall and create scoring chances?

And let's not forget the injury concerns. Marcos Llorente's hamstring issue could be a turning point in the season. If he can't get back on the pitch soon, it could have a ripple effect throughout the team.

The game against Inter Milan was dramatic, but is that just a sign of Atlético's desperation? Are they trying to prove something to themselves and others, or are they just trying to stay ahead of the pack?

It's also interesting to consider what this says about Diego Simeone's management style. Is he relying too much on his team's defensive solidity, rather than taking risks and playing to their strengths? The midfield trio is looking solid, but is that a reflection of their tactical approach or just a reaction to FC Barcelona's attacking threat?

The unpredictability of the game is exciting, but it's also a reminder that nothing is certain. Even with Atlético Madrid on top of their game, anything can happen.

I'm low-key hyped for this match Atlético's been on fire lately and I think they've got a solid chance of causing an upset against Barça Diego Simeone's tactical genius is unmatched, but FC Barcelona's attacking firepower might be too much to handle Nico González' return from illness could make all the difference, and I'm intrigued by his potential involvement in the attack Jan Oblak's gonna need to be on top of his game between the posts though, that's a tall order ️ Koke's suspension is a major concern for Atlético, but they've got enough depth in midfield to adapt The question is, how will Simeone balance defense and attack?

I'm lovin' this one! Atlético Madrid is on fire ! Their defense has been solid as a rock , and they're lookin' like the perfect team to upset Barcelona at their own stadium . Diego Simeone's got a tough one ahead of him, but with his squad in form, I think they've got this!

Here's a quick diagram of what I think Atlético might do:
```
+---------------+
| Jan Oblak |
+---------------+
| Nahuel Molina |
| José María |
| Giménez |
+---------------+
|
|
v
+---------------------+
| David Hancko (LB) |
| Matteo Ruggeri (DM) |
+---------------------+

|
|
v
+---------------------------------+
| Giuliano Simeone Pablo Barrios|
| Koke Álex Baena |
+---------------------------------+
```
Nico González is lookin' good to come back, and I think he'll have a big impact off the bench . And let's not forget about Johnny Cardoso's display against Inter Milan - could he be the one to give Koke a run for his money in midfield?

I'm so down for this one! Atlético Madrid are on fire right now and I think they've got a good shot at beating Barça. Diego Simeone's team has been playing some solid football and their defense is looking super strong. But, you know, Barça always seem to come up clutch when it matters most, so we can't count them out just yet . Nico González looks like he'll be a game-changer off the bench, though - his pace and agility could be just what Atlético need to break down that Barça defense. And let's not forget about Koke... one yellow card away from suspension is still pretty close, so he might have to dig deep if they want to take on FC Barcelona .

omg i cant wait 4 dis match!!! atlético's been on fire lately & i think dey got a good chance of causin an upset against barca! Diego simeone's tactical skills r really payin off & it'll be interesting to see how he adapts 2 barcelona's high pressur defense Nico gonzález is back & will hopefully bring some much needed pace 2 the team Koke's suspension tho better not affect atlético's chances Jan oblak's been playin great in goal & i'm lovin the look of dat midfield trio