How will Barcelona lineup against Atletico Madrid?

Midfield

Sergiño Dest

The right-back/wing back position has been one full of debate for Barcelona supporters. The majority believe it’s Sergiño Dest’s spot to lose. But Koeman has preferred Sergi Roberto at times over the American.

Dest should start given the importance of the game. Barcelona need to win and he offers more going forward, and defensively, than Roberto.

Roberto was one of the players singled out in the Granada loss and it is evident he struggles when tracking back. Any way you look at it, Dest should have a clear advantage.

Frenkie de Jong

Like Ter Stegen, Frenkie de Jong is untouchable for Koeman and this game will be no exception. The Dutch midfielder has enjoyed his best season since arriving at the club and he’s benefitted the most with the change in the system.

He looks more comfortable playing in midfield and has transformed into a goalscoring threat and has scored some important goals in big games.

Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets has found new life as he no longer has to cover so much ground. His vision and distribution remains second to none. There is something missing when he doesn’t play. Barcelona are going to need him to use that vision and play passes to cut through an Atletico Madrid side who are likely to sit very deep.

Pedri

Pedri is an interesting case. No one expected him to play as often as he had this season. However, he has looked a bit out of sorts recently and it may have to do with fatigue from playing so much.

Regardless, he is going to play as he’s earned his starting spot and can still do some of the running to cover ground that Busquets can no longer do.

Jordi Alba

Jordi Alba remains Barcelona’s best option on the left side of defense/midfield. His connection with Messi makes Alba indispensable. It’s one of the reasons why Junior Firpo has all but disappeared.

While he’s lost some pace and can be a liability defensively, it’s what he can offer going forward that Koeman values.