Match Preview : Atletico Madrid VS Barça- Copa Del Rey Semi Final 1st leg-

Fortunately for us, we’ve had a nice little break away from the pitch, since our last La Liga game. I wouldn’t say we’ve been able to get any of our injured players back, in fact, coming into tonight’s game, we will be without a few more key players. But, the 4-5 days break has been a much needed one, especially when you consider how BIG tonight’s game is. Live from the Metropolitano in Madrid at 9pm local time. It’s the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi finals, between Barça and Atletico Madrid.

A quick look at our opponent:

When it comes to our opponent for tonight’s game, Atleti, they do pose a tough test. Especially away from home. Although in general, their form as of late hasn’t been that convincing, they’ve still got the players to do us damage. Griezmann, Alvarez and of course Sorloth have hurt us in the past. And like every opponent does against Barça, they seem to save their best performance of the season for us too. They have been underperforming as a team this season, especially with how much they spent in the summer window, as well as buying Ademola Lookman in the recent January transfer window too. They’ve been inconsistent , but as a team, they are capable of testing this weakened Barça side, especially in front of their home fans where they’ll be looking to put a performance in. We just have to make sure that we capitalise on the mistakes, that this Atleti side do frequently give up. It’s an interesting game, and even after the 90 minutes, it’s still only half way through the semi finals. But tonight’s away game is going to physically demanding of a Barça side that will be without some key players in attack.

Predicted lineup:

When we start to think about the possible lineup for tonight’s huge game in the Copa, away from home. We will be travelling to Madrid with a very light squad, especially in attack. Raphinha and Rashford are both doubtful for the game, with Rashford already having been confirmed to be missing the game as a precaution. Raphinha is also expected to miss it. So, the left hand side of our attack is looking very bare. Ferran or Fermin are the obvious choices to replace the two absentees, or maybe Flick might even decide to go with Cancelo on the left hand side. Creatively, and going forward he can be a threat and he wouldn’t have much of a burden in defence either. So maybe, that’s the best option. Although I think it’ll probably be Ferran on the left with Lewandowski down the middle. Which of course, isn’t a bad option either.

In midfield, Frenkie De Jong is expected to make his return after sitting out the entire game against Mallorca. Could we see Bernal start another Copa Del Rey game? It’s possible. As for the defence, I think things will remain pretty much the same as it was in our last game. With Cubarsi, Balde, Eric and Kounde all featuring.