La Liga Preview: Barcelona - Atletico Madrid

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Barcelona (4-1-2-3): Valdes; Alves, Mascerano, Puyol, Abidal; Xavi,Busquets, Thiago; Messi, Fabregas, Villa

Barca center back Gerard Pique is back in full training following his calf injury and after the defensive frailties against Valencia, it is touch and go as to whether the Spaniard will make the starting XI. Alexis Sanchez and Andres Iniesta are still sidelined with hamstring injuries. Meanwhile, Dutch midfielder Ibrahim Afellay damaged his cruciate knee ligament in training and will miss an estimated six months of the season.

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Coutois; Silva, Perea, Dominguez, Filipe; Koke, Assuncao, Gabi, Turan; Salvio, Falcao

Atletico Madrid is still sweating over the fitness of Diego, who completed light training on Thursday but it is unsure whether the Brazilian will feature against Barcelona. However, the Madrid outfit has been boosted by the return of Diego Godin, who has recovered from his injury and is expected to make the squad against Barcelona.