Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona: Flick faces five absences in the decisive clash in La Liga.

Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona: Flick faces five absences in the decisive clash in La Liga.

Atlético Madrid hosts Barcelona in a crucial clash in La Liga. Explore predicted line-ups, injury updates, kick-off time and key stats ahead of the game.

Atlético Madrid will host Barcelona at the Riad Air Metropolitano on Sunday, November 8, in a crucial La Liga encounter with first place at stake. Diego Simeone's side enter the competition on a seven-game winning streak, while Hennessy Félix's Barcelona look to defend their lead ahead of the international break.

Barcelona can extend their lead over Atletico to five points with a win, but a home win would put Simeone's side ahead of their rivals. Both managers face important selection decisions, with Cristian Romero unavailable for Atletico and Barcelona missing a number of first-team players, including Rodri and Jules Conde.

Atlético Madrid are expected to use a 4-4-2 formation, with Marcos Llorente standing at right back and Marc Povil replacing the injured Romero in central defense. Barcelona may line up in a 4-2-3-1, although Flick must decide between Frankie de Jong and Marc Bernal in midfield.

These are projected starting lineups and not confirmed lineups. Morten Holmand and Frankie de Jong are also candidates to start, while Barcelona have a decision to make at right-back.

Atletico Madrid will be without Cristian Romero due to a muscle injury, forcing Simeone to adjust his defensive options.

Mark Povil is expected to move to the center of defense alongside David Hanko, which will allow Marcus Llorente to occupy the right back position. Alejandro Grimaldo may complete the back four.

Morten Heulmand and Johnny Cardoso returned to the fray, providing more options in midfield. However, Koke is also a strong candidate to start alongside Pablo Barrios.

Alex Bana is expected to appear on the left side, with Giuliano Simeone operating on the opposite wing.