How will Barcelona line up against Atlético de Madrid?

Barcelona are back in action after the international break with a difficult trip to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium to face Atlético de Madrid.

It is a tough game for Barça, who have not had much time to prepare with the full squad and who have just returned to training on Thursday for international commitments.

Barça will not have to face former striker Luis Suárez, but can still expect a tough test from Diego Simeone’s team, who come into the game with a six-point advantage.

Let’s see who Ronald Koeman could select:

Photo by Jose Breton / Pics Action / NurPhoto via Getty Images

Marc-Andre ter Stegen will continue in goal and should be quite fresh after staying in Barcelona and not joining Germany for their Nations League matches.

In central defense will be Gerard Piqué and Clement Lenglet, and there are not many backup options with Ronald Araujo and Samuel Umtiti still out of action.

Sergino Dest will face Sergi Roberto for the right-back position, while Jordi Alba looks ready to appear on the opposite flank.

Photo by Eric Alonso / Getty Images

Sergio Busquets is out of this, which means that Miralem Pjanic has the perfect opportunity to try to consolidate his place in the starting XI. The midfielder should have his first start to the season in La Liga at Wanda Metropolitano.

Joining the 30-year-old will be Frenkie de Jong. The midfielder has played every minute in La Liga so far this season with Ronald Koeman and will continue against Atlético.

Photo by Eric Alonso / Getty Images

Koeman will also have to make attacking changes with Ansu Fati out for the next four months, although he may be able to call Philippe Coutinho again as the Brazilian is expected to be fit.

Coutinho is not guaranteed to return directly to the team, although Pedri is a strong contender to keep his place. The 17-year-old was reportedly rested by the Spanish Under-21 team with a view to taking on Atlético.

Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann appear ready to move on, while Ousmane Dembélé is another player who is pushing to start after scoring a goal against Real Betis last time in La Liga.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Dest, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Pjanic, De Jong; Dembélé, Messi, Pedri; Griezmann.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Atlético? Let us know your thoughts, teams, and predictions in the comments below!