The 13th matchday of La Liga on Sunday morning (11/25/2018) will present a big match that brings Atletico Madrid to face his guest, Barcelona. Atletico are only one point adrift of Barcelona who are top of the standings with 24 points.

Not only prestige fighting, the duel of the two top teams will be the struggle for the throne of the temporary La Liga standings.

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona - image source

Barcelona carry out the tough task of breaking Atletico Madrid's unbeaten record in the last nine matches in the 2018/2019 La Liga event. Both teams will clash with each other in the 13th jornada.

The match will take place at Atletico headquarters at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid. If you beat Atletico, Barcelona at the same time will solidify their position at the top of the standings.

Barcelona currently collecting 24 points, just one ahead of Sevilla and Atletico Madrid which continues to stalk in second and third positions. In other words, the match will have significance for Barcelona which carries the winning mission.

To achieve victory, coach Ernesto Valverde will most likely go back to using an offensive 4-3-3 formation. However, the figure mainstay midfielder Ivan Rakitic will miss following the injury.

Barcelona back line will likely rely Clement Lenglet without the presence of Samuel Umtiti. Of course, the position of central defender Barca will be highlighted because they have work and reduce the sharpness Antoine Griezmann Atletico Madrid striker another.

From the team news, Atletico Madrid mainstay defender Diego Godin is expected to miss the important match this time, after he suffered an injury that seemed difficult to recover in time.

Jose Maria Gimenez is also doubtful at the Atletico Madrid backline due to a hamstring injury, which means Lucas Hernandez and Stefan Savic can be the first choice at center back. But the good news is Juanfran is in a fit condition and can appear as a starter at right-back position.

In the stronghold of Barcelona, Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic had to miss this match because he received a penalty for appearances, in addition he was also injured. Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal is expected to play in the Barcelona midfield, along with Sergio Busquets and Arthur.

Lionel Messi is fully fit for action in this match, while Samuel Umtiti is expected to appear after his knee problems begin to improve.

Antoine Griezmann: Atletico Madrid

Facing any team, Atletico Madrid will not have a target other than victory. Even though their opponents are Barcelona, Diego Simeone's troops will enter the field with a winning mentality, and they will try to appear pressing.

Antoine Griezmann will remain the figure that Atletico Madrid has relied on to penetrate the Barcelona defense. The Frenchman is still able to maintain his level of play, and he has the ability to terrorize the Barcelona defense.

Lionel Messi: Barcelona

Lionel Messi is in a fit condition, and that is the news that Barcelona is most expected ahead of this match. La Pulga was the center of Barcelona's game and without Blaugrana it was difficult to win the big match.

Together with players like Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho, Messi will try to damage Atletico Madrid's defense in this match. The perfect free kick execution from Messi can also be a differentiator at Wanda Metropolitano.

Arrangement of Players

Atletico (4-4-2): Oblak; Arias, Savic, Lucas Hernandez, Filipe Luis; Koke, Thomas Partey, Rodrigo, Saul; Griezmann, Diego Costa.

Coach: Diego Simeone.

Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Jordi Alba; Vidal, Busquets, Arthur; Coutinho, Luis Suarez, Messi.

Coach: Ernesto Valverde.

Prediction of Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona

Barca will be desperate to return to winning ways after they return from the international break. They performed very well without the presence of captain Lionel Messi, and many suspect they will increase as soon as he returns.

But they must face defeat at home for the first time in two years. And this will be a tough test for Barcelona to maintain top spot in the standings.

On the other hand, Atletico are certain to lose their captain Diego Godin who has been ruled out of this match because of an injury. Even so, Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa are ready to create a Barcelona back line problem. Score prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-2 Barcelona