Atletico Madrid News
Official: Atletico Madrid starting lineup against Barcelona
Atletico Madrid face their first big test post-international break as they get ready to host Barcelona at the Wanda Metropolitano. They will be hoping to keep Xavi’s side at bay in an attempt to cement top-four in what is proving to be a very tough season.
Diego Simeone has not changed his approach going into this game, lining his team up in what looks to be another 3-5-2. Joao Felix starts alongside former Barcelona ace Antoine Griezmann uptop, with Alvaro Morata on the bench.
Yannick Carrasco and Nahuel Molina are tasked with providing the width on the left and right, respectively, as the wingbacks. They will be flanking the midfield trident of Pablo Barrios, Koke, and Marcos Llorente.
As we move to defence, it features a back-three with Reinildo as the left centre-back and Stefan Savic on the right. Jose Maria Gimenez will shoulder the responsibility as the sweeper, screening Jan Oblak.
— Actualité – Barça (@ActualiteBarca) January 8, 2023
Confirmed Atletico XI: Oblak; Savic, Gimenez, Reinildo; Molina, Llorente, Koke, Barrios, Carrasco; Griezmann, Felix
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
