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Preview: Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona

Sports Mole previews Saturday's top-of-the-table clash in La Liga between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.

The top two sides in La Liga meet on Saturday when Atletico Madrid host leaders Barcelona at the Vicente Calderon.

The visitors currently sit top on goal difference after losing just once in their last six league outings, winning five of them.

Diego Simeone's men have marginally the better form in recent matches though, winning five and drawing one of their last six.

Atletico come into the match off the back of a draw against Valencia in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday.

Barcelona saw off Getafe 4-0 in the same competition on Wednesday evening, courtesy of two goals from Lionel Messi on his return from injury.

Defender Diego Godin is a doubt for the hosts after picking up a thigh injury against Valencia, while midfielder Mario Suarez is also likely to miss out due to a knee injury.

Barca coach Gerardo Martino is expected to hand Messi a start following his brace against Getafe, while Neymar could also be available after missing the midweek win with gastroenteritis.

Recent form

Atletico Madrid: DWWWWW

Barcelona: WWLWWW

Possible starting lineups

Atletico Madrid: Courtois; Juanfran, Alderweireld, Miranda, Luis; Tiago, Koke, Turan, Torres; Costa, Villa

Barcelona: Valdes; Montoya, Bartra, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Xavi; Pedro, Neymar, Messi

Sports Mole says: 1-1


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Written by
Steven Toplis
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Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona takes to the field for the La Liga match between Real Betis and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on November 10, 2013
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Real Madrid18124241182340
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


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