Diego Simeone is sticking with what works for his Atlético Madrid side against Barcelona. Diego Costa and David Villa start up top with all the usual midfield faces behind them including Gabi and Koke. Atléti got a huge boost in the defense when Juanfran's fifth yellow card of the season -- picked up last week -- was overturned, making the defender eligible to play.
Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona: Lineups
The starting lineups are out for today’s top of the table clash in Spain and both Messi and Neymar are on the bench for Barcelona.
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Lionel Messi not starting for Barcelona isn't huge surprise despite the striker's two-goal cameo against Getafe in the mid-week. Messi is still working back to full match fitness and it makes sense that Gerardo Martino is not ready to rush his tart back to quickly.
Neymar starting on the bench is also not a huge shocker after the young Brazilian missed Barca’s Copa del Rey match with a stomach bug. There’s a good chance that even if he’s over the illness, his energy levels may be down a bit and Martino feels more comfortable starting with Pedro and Alexis.
Both players are available off the bench.
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2): Thibaut Courtois; Juanfran, João Miranda, Diego Godín, Filipe Luis, Tiago Mendes, Gabi, Koke, Arda Turan; David Villa, Diego Costa.
Barcelona (4-3-3): Victor Valdés, Dani Alves, Gerard Piqué, Javier Mascherano Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta; Pedro, Alexis Sánchez, Cesc Fàbregas.
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