MY ACCOUNT
– Atletico Madrid have won their last four matches across all competitions
– Barcelona have lost their last two trips to Atletico
– Recommended bet: Atletico or Tie – Double Chance
Barcelona dropped points in their final LaLiga game of 2022, drawing 1-1 with rivals Espanyol, meaning they and Real Madrid began the new year level on points at the top of the table.
The two Spanish giants are embroiled in a thrilling title race and Sunday’s clash between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona at the Wanda Metropolitano is not to be missed.
Team news
Joao Felix was left out of Atletico’s squad for their Copa del Rey clash with Oviedo and may again miss out as he continues to be linked with a move away this January transfer window.
Defender Mario Hermoso is definitely ruled out through suspension.
The big news for Barcelona is that Robert Lewandowski is suspended, limiting their options in the attacking third, while Jordi Alba is also unavailable for the same reason.
The stats
Atletico have been better on their travels than at home this season but they have nonetheless lost only two of their seven league matches at the Wanda Metropolitano this term.
Barcelona have been held to draws after 90 minutes in each of their last two games against Espanyol and Intercity.
Both teams have scored in five of Atletico’s seven home league fixtures this campaign.
Prediction
Xavi faced a huge challenge gelling this Barcelona team together after a tumultuous summer of financial difficulties off the pitch but he has so far done a brilliant job.
Their group-stage exit in the Champions League aside, it has been a good season for the Catalan giants so far and they have managed to keep pace with a strong Real Madrid side at the LaLiga summit.
Barcelona have managed 12 wins in 15 league matches this term and are fearsome opponents for any side but there may not be a rush to back them on the road against Atletico on Sunday.
First and foremost, Barca will go into the game without their main man Lewandowski, who has scored 13 goals and laid on four assists in his 15 LaLiga appearances this season.
His absence through suspension is a big blow and it is also worth noting Barcelona have not looked at their sharpest since returning from the World Cup break.
They firstly had to settle for a share of the spoils in their first league game back against Espanyol before they were pushed to their limits by third-tier side Intercity in the Copa del Rey round of 32.
Barcelona put out a pretty much full-strength team for that game and, although they bagged the winner in extra-time after it had been 3-3 after 90 minutes, it was a concerning performance.
With that in mind, Atletico or tie looks a good option in the double chance market with LiveScore Bet at 4/6.
Atletico won their first league game back 2-0 against Elche before breezing past Oviedo by the same scoreline in the Copa del Rey and can avoid defeat in this one.
