Got down to host Atletico Madrid, the capital of Spain, on Sunday, Barcelona is making an attempt to keep up its prime spot within the La Liga desk.

Blaugrana must transfer ahead with out star ahead Robert Lewandowski, who invoked a three-game suspension for his actions to a match official after being ejected earlier than the World Cup break in November. His sentence was upheld on attraction within the Spanish courtroom, that means he can be faraway from the sphere within the subsequent three league video games, however will be capable to participate in different competitions.

Barça is on the identical stage as Actual Madrid in factors, however on the prime of the rankings in objective distinction. A draw with Espanyol final time even allowed Los Blancos to withdraw, however a surprising defeat to Villarreal on Saturday now places Barcelona within the driver’s seat if they will win tonight.

In the meantime, Atlético are in fourth place, 11 factors behind their chief, however have stepped up after a tricky begin to the season. Atleti have received their final 4 video games, however three of them got here within the King’s Cup. Their solely league win since coming back from the World Cup problem was a dominant 2-0 win over Elche.

MORE: Forecast, odds, betting tips and best bets for Atletico Madrid v Barcelona La Liga

What time is Atletico Madrid v Barcelona?

This La Liga match will kick off on the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, January eighth at 21:00 native time in Madrid, Spain.

Right here is how this time interprets in some key areas:

*Sport begins the following day, January 8, in these time zones.

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Atletico Madrid-Barcelona TV channel reside broadcast

Here is how one can watch all of the motion of this match in some key areas:

Britain: La Liga matches within the UK are hosted on LaLiga TV and ITV, and ITV’s streaming platform, ITVX, may be watched on-line.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: All La Liga video games in the USA are proven on ESPN’s premium streaming service, ESPN+, which requires a subscription to look at.

Canada: All La Liga matches in Canada may be watched through TSN’s streaming choices.

Australia: Followers in Australia can stream each match Live and on demand on Optus Sport.

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Atletico Madrid-Barcelona match lineup has been introduced.

The most important query for Diego Simeone is how he’ll deploy his three attackers to the world. Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morataand Joao Felix. Rumors proceed to flow into about Felix’s future at Atleti and it might have an effect on his place on the roster.

Griezmann was sensational in a deeper function on the World Cup and could possibly be utilized in midfield, permitting the opposite two to begin from the highest.

Mario Hermoso Suspended after being expelled in his final La Liga sport.

Predicted Atlético Madrid XI (3-5-2): Oblak (GK) — Gimenez, Witsel, Savic — Llorente, Griezmann, Koke, Lemar, Carrasco — Morata, Felix

With Xavi closely switching his roster for the midweek Copa del Rey sport, it is arduous to know who will keep and who will find yourself on the bench this weekend. Sergio Busquets It’s the greatest query mark as another person can change the 34-year-old. Frenkie de Jong to keep away from overuse.

Nevertheless, a participant who won’t be concerned, Robert Lewandowski Within the midst of a three-game suspension after being despatched off in a match earlier than the World Cup break. His sentence was briefly delayed for attraction to permit him to take part within the draw with Espanyol final weekend, however was upheld in courtroom, so he was out of the sport for 3 matches.

Memphis Depay You possibly can take that time ahead by beginning towards Intercity FC in the midst of the week or Ferran Torres He might transfer into the ahead function. Jordi Alba additionally suspended, so Alex Balde prone to characterize.

Estimated Barcelona XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen (GK) — Kounde, Christensen, Alonso, Balde — Gavi, De Jong, Pedri — Raphinha, Depay, Dembele

Atlético Madrid – Barcelona betting odds, predictions

over charges BetMGM (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA), Sports Interaction (Canada), SkyBet (UK) and Ladbrokes (Australia).

Barcelona are favored on this match, but it surely’s nonetheless sporty plus odds as bookies have given Atlético Madrid a preventing likelihood due to their current good kind.

A part of that may depend upon the person gamers that may be chosen. The absence of Robert Lewandowski is certainly an element, whereas Atletico is taking part in with Antoine Griezmann, one of many prime gamers of the 2022 World Cup, who’s in nice kind.

The 2 sides will discover themselves evenly matched and Barcelona can battle for constructive probabilities as they face a stable Diego Simeone facet defensively.

Prediction: Atlético Madrid 1-1 Barcelona