Eric, Bernal to start in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Atletico Madrid

Eric, Bernal to start in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Atletico Madrid Barcelona travel to the Metropolitano on Sunday for a crucial La Liga encounter against Atletico Madrid, looking to return to the top of the standings. Hansi Flick’s side have recovered well from their defeat in El Clasico , with back-to-back victories over Deportivo Alaves and Aston Villa. However, Atletico represent a completely different challenge, with Diego Simeone enjoying an excellent recent record against Hansi Flick. Los Colchoneros knocked Barça out of both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League last season, and the encounters were hard-fought. With Rodri unavailable and several defenders only just returning from injury, Hansi Flick has important selection decisions to make ahead of the encounter. Defence Joan Garcia should retain his place in goal after keeping his first Champions League clean sheet against Aston Villa. The biggest decision comes at right-back, where Eric Garcia could return straight to the starting line-up after recovering from injury. While Brian Farinas has done exceedingly well in the previous two games, Eric’s defensive presence could be important against Atletico. Brian Farinas has done really well in Eric Garcia’s absence. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin should continue their partnership at centre-back, particularly after helping Barcelona keep Aston Villa quiet. Meanwhile, Joao Cancelo is expected to start at left-back, with his technical quality and ability to operate in midfield particularly valuable against Atletico’s defensive structure. Midfield Midfield is set to see an enforced change, with Rodri ruled out through a hamstring injury. Hansi Flick has to choose between Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong. Bernal is likely to get the nod ahead of the experienced Dutchman and could now earn a start alongside Pedri. Further forward, Fermin Lopez should retain his place in attacking midfield, with his late runs into the penalty area offering Barcelona an important additional goalscoring threat. Attack Lamine Yamal is certain to start on the right flank, where his creativity and ability to beat defenders will be crucial against Atletico’s organised defensive set-up. Anthony Gordon should start ahead of Karim Adeyemi against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images) On the opposite flank, Anthony Gordon could retain his place ahead of Karim Adeyemi, offering pace and direct running against Atletico’s defensive line. Meanwhile, Raphinha is expected to lead the attack centrally. He will be keen to continue his scoring form against Atletico. The Brazilian’s presence might be the biggest difference between last season’s Barça and this season’s side, with Raphinha a very different striker from the other options. Simeone has shown in the past that he knows how to stop Hansi Flick’s Barça , and it remains to be seen how the game at the Metropolitano pans out.