Opponent watch: Simeone mulling key changes in the Atletico Madrid lineup vs Barcelona

Opponent watch: Simeone mulling key changes in the Atletico Madrid lineup vs Barcelona FC Barcelona will run the risk of losing their top spot in the league table as they take on Atletico Madrid on Sunday. While Atleti may have beaten Barcelona twice last season , Simeone’s men are coming on the back of a disappointing defeat to Bayern Munich. As a result, coach Simeone has already tried out some new tricks up his sleeves as part of Friday’s training session, reports SPORT . Simeone to make a few changes As per the report, Simeone may make a few tweaks to the starting eleven that succumbed to a defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Simeone is ready for the Barcelona test. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) For one, Marcos Llorente is expected to return to the right-back position, with Marc Pubill moving back to central defence. Pubill will partner David Hancko in central defence, with former Barcelona star Alejandro Grimaldo operating as a left-back. In midfield, Simeone is also expected to opt for the double-pivot of Koke and Pablo Barrios, with the former returning after starting on the bench against Bayern. Him starting in midfield should allow Llorente to operate as a right-back. A big decision in the attack The report, though, claims Simeone could make a bigger decision in the final third. While Julian Alvarez, who is set for a special game against a club he was heavily linked with this past summer, is expected to start, the Argentine could be partnered alongside Kang-in Lee. A big game awaits for Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) The South Korean international is expected to start ahead of Alexander Sorloth, as he could provide more dynamism and flexibility in the final third. These will be accompanied by other Atletico Madrid attackers, including Alex Baena. The three players will play a key role in dismantling a Barcelona defence that has looked porous and vulnerable in certain matches this season. Flick’s high line of press has been a subject of much criticism even from Barcelona’s own set of supporters, and it appears Simeone is prepared to try and once again break those lines.