Atletico Madrid VS Barcelona Match Prediction

In 40 matches, Barcelona have a dominant lead with 21 wins to Atletico's nine.  There have also been ten draws, but Atleti have been very competitive of late.  Here's a look at their last five meetings:

Feb 7, 2017: Barcelona 1-1 Atletico (Copa Del Rey)
Feb 1, 2017: Atletico 1-2 Barcelona (Copa Del Rey)
Sep 21, 2016: Barcelona 1-1 Atletico (Primera)
Apr 13, 2016: Atletico 2-0 Barcelona (Champions League)
Apr 5, 2016: Barcelona 2-1 Atletico (Champions League)

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Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Prediction

These matches are always close, and they almost are always pivotal in some way come season's end.  They drew earlier in the season at the Nou Camp in the league, but Barca took the Copa del Rey clash.  It looks like Atletico are much better equipped at the moment, so they will get the narrow win here.

Correct Score Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Barcelona

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Betting Tips and Odds

Bet365 have Atletico at 9/5 to win, a draw is at 12/5, and a Barcelona win is at 7/5.

Double chance odds aren't great for either side.  Atleti are at 4/7; Barcelona are at 4/9.

Both teams to score is at ¾ for yes and at 1/1 for no.

A wager on a 1-0 win for Atleti at full time could bring you 16/1 odds.

Reason: The bookmakers are pretty much split on this match because these two sides have traded results of late.  So it's almost impossible to predict these two sides.  They are so good against each other, and they know one another so well, so it's very tough for the bookmakers to make a big favorite out of either side!

Team News

Diego Simeone will be without defenders Diego Godin and Juanfran as well as midfielders Tiago and Augusto Fernandez for this match.  Jan Oblak, their usual #1 goalkeeper, may be fit enough to play a role in the match.

Key Man

Spain's newest central midfield star goes by the solitary name of Saul.  Saul has been getting better and better, and it's because of the patience and belief that Diego Simeone has shown in the young Spanish international.  Saul scored a brilliant goal last season against Bayern, and he just did the same against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night in the Champions League.  He can make you pay with just one single chance, but he's always very solid and combative in the center of midfielder, which is actually the weakness of this current Barca side.

Team Form

Atletico have four wins and one draw in their last five matches in all competitions.  They came off a big 2-4 win at Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Expected Line-up: 4-4-2

Team News

Luis Enrique, under fire, will be without versatile defensive player Javier Mascherano, right back Aleix Vidal, and midfielder Arda Turan for this big match.

Key Man

Luis Enrique has had some issues in central midfield, so it is paramount that Sergio Busquets be at his best in this match.  Of late, they've had some issues as they just don't have as much quality without Ivan Rakitic in the line-up.  Busquets needs to step up his game, and he's very capable of doing that.  It's not often that he's on the score sheet or seen giving assists, but he is very important and will be involved in all of the battles in the middle of the pitch.

Team Form

Barcelona have three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches in all competitions.  They bounced back after that 4-0 defeat in Paris to win with a 2-1 win at home against Leganes on Sunday.

Expected Line-up: 4-3-3

Experts are, and should be, split. These two sides are both very good at what they do. Atletico\'s defense is vaunted, but they haven\'t been quite as strong this season when you use the eye test. Barcelona haven\'t been themselves of late, either, but they are still very capable of breaking through and defeating anyone. With Luis Enrique\'s future up in doubt, it will be interesting to see how they players react. There is no doubts on Atletico\'s side, though. They will lay down and die for their manager. This one will be a tight and tense match will plenty of controversy when it\'s said and done.

1- the number of times that Atletico have lost at home this season AND the number of times that Barcelona have lost away from home this season. Something has to give here, or does it?