When Atletico Madrid and Barcelona - two heavyweights of Spanish football - come up against each other, entertainment always ensues. The teams have already played each other three times this season and have produced four red cards. It's fair to say these matches get heated. Each game wasan intense, tight affair too, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Both teams will be heading into this match in different frames of mind. Atletico go in full of confidence after a strong display against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, and will be looking to build on that by taking advantage of a struggling Barcelona.
Conversely, Barcelona have come under scrutiny recently for their poor performances. After being on the receiving end of a 4-0 drubbing from PSG, an unconvincing 2-1 win over Leganes has left Luis Enrique's job in question. Only a dominant win over Atletico will put a change to that, and the Barca players will be well aware of the improvement they need to make.
Classic Encounter
Barcelona 2-1 Atletico Madrid - La Liga (2016)
It took all of 11 minutes for the scoring to open when Koke found the back of the net with a composed finish, only for goals from Messi and Suarez to spoil the travelling fans' mood.
These matches are often physically spectacular. Emotions run high and blood boils over - leading to recklessness. Right on the cusp of half time, Felipe Luis sparked outrage as his studs collided with Messi's knee. Later on, Diego Godin was also given his marching orders after a needless foul on Luis Suarez.
Atleti played well, but made life difficult for themselves, Barca didn't have to reach their best in order to win, but if all players had stayed on the pitch, who knows what might have happened.
Key Battles
Antoine Griezmann vs Gerard Pique
The challenge of stopping Antoine Griezmann will likely be handed to Gerard Pique. The experienced centre half can read the game better than almost anyone in football and when it comes to physicality and aerial duels, the Spaniard knows he will dominate.
Pique will have to watch out for Griezmann's runs though, the Atletico striker loves to break through the defensive for one on ones with the keeper, abusing his pace. Once he's in that position, there's no stopping him, so Pique will have to be at his best.
Maybe employing a deeper back line might lower the risk, but Pique will will be well aware that this will be a mental game as much as it is physical.
Lionel Messi vs Felipe Luis
Felipe Luis would probably rather face any other winger on the planet than Lionel Messi. The Argentinian is one of the most unpredictable players on the planet, which makes him a nightmare for full backs.
Luis will look to help from either Diego Godin or StefanSavic to tame him, but keeping Messi on the touchline will be the Brazilian's highest priority. Once he's inside, Messi will tear apart the game and make it his own.
The two experienced and top quality players will make for an intense and entertaining match-up, Luis will have to be careful when handling him though, he can't afford to constantly give away fouls.
Team News
Atletico Madrid
Jan Oblak finally looks fit again missing the best part of two months witha shoulder injury, giving Diego Simeone a massive boost at the back. Diego Godin has also been missing recently through injury, but its expected that he will be rushed back. the club captain holds a wealth of experience and will be hugely relied upon to keep Suarez at bay.
Atletico are likely to start with Gameiro and Griezmann up front. Gameiro, who has been trading places with Torres recently, has been in scintillating form, having scored four in his last two matches.
Barcelona
Sergio Busquets has completed his suspension and will return back into the starting line-up in his usual holding midfield role. Rakitic will probably be dropped to the bench, with Enrique preferring Iniesta and Gomes.
Arda Turan will most likely be fit enough to make the substitute bench. the same cnnot be said for Javier Mascherano however, the Argentinian is still expected to beout with a hamstring injury.
Predicted Lineups
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Felipe Luis, Godin, Savic, Vrsaljko, Ferreira-Carrasco, Koke, Gabi, Saul, Griezmann, Gameiro
Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Alba, Pique, Umtiti, Roberto, Busquets, Iniesta, Gomes, Neymar, Suarez, Messi
Score Prediction: 1-2
As usual between the two teams, the game will be very tight and extremely intense, with much of it coming down to who will be able to keep the cooler heads.
Barcelona will be up for it more though. They have more to lose and despite being away, and could well come home with the three points.