Messi, Suarez, Neymar all start for Barcelona as they host Simeone’s Atletico Madrid led by Antoine Griezmann in the attack.
Luis Enrique has named an almost similar lineup to the previous game against Leganes with Messi, Suarez, Neymar the front-three for the Blaugranes. Ter Stegen retains his place in goal while Samuel Umtiti is benched in favour of Javier Mascherano as it seems the manager has opted to go for experience at the back.
?? #FCB XI:
1. Ter Stegen
3. Piqué
4. Rakitic
5. Sergio
8. Iniesta
9. Suárez
10. Messi
11. Neymar
14. Mascherano
18. Alba
20. S. Roberto— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 21, 2016
? Substitutes #FCB:
13. Cillessen
6. Denis
7. Arda
17. Paco Alcácer
19. Digne
21. André Gomes
24. Mathieu#FCBlive— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 21, 2016
The midfield pairing of Iniesta and Rakitic with Sergio Busquets in the pivot role would be crucial for Barcelona as the club would look to neutralise the pressing tactics of their famed opposition.
Atletico Madrid XI vs. Barcelona: Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Filipe Luis; Gabi, Koke, Saul, Carrasco; Griezmann, Gameiro.
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) September 21, 2016
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, have the French duo of Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro heading their attack with the Koke and Gabi in the midfield while Carrasco and Saul take their place on either wing.