Aubameyang and Dembele in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona could line up against Atletico Madrid

The end of the international break brings with a tightly packed schedule for the top clubs of Europe. The prospect of watching six games across 22 odd days is definitely exciting to fans, but for already overworked players, it is insult to injury. Sometimes literally.

For Barcelona, this hectic calendar kicks off vs Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou, where crowds are expected to return in full flow. Not only will the hosts have the chance to give the home fans their money’s worth after 50 days on the road, but a win would also mean a place for them in the top four; at least temporarily.

Across the winter transfer window, Joan Laporta and co. fought tooth and nail to bring every one of Xavi’s demands to the club in the winter transfer window. Starting with Ferran Torres. The Spaniard cost €55 million and has already registered a goal and assist in three games.

Dani Alves re-joined Barça as a free agent, while Adama Traore was brought on a six-month loan. And with two minutes left on the deadline, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was also signed on a free transfer.

With several reinforcements in the frontline, Xavi is spoilt for choice. But how will Barcelona line up against Atletico Madrid?

A top-heavy Barcelona

At the back, Ronald Araujo will likely return from international duty and straight into the starting XI. With Eric Garcia, Clement Lenglet, and Samuel Umtiti injured, Gerard Pique is expected to retain his place in the heart of the defence. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, meanwhile, is a nailed-on starter in goal.

Dani Alves played nearly 150 minutes on duty with Brazil, but it looks unlikely that he will be benched for Sergino Dest or Oscar Mingueza. Jordi Alba will probably take the reins on the left side.

Things could get tricky in midfield, where Sergio Busquets seems like the only player with a definitive place as the anchor. Going by previous games, though, Pedri could start on the right side of the trio, with Frenkie de Jong expected to start over Gavi and Nico.

Ousmane Dembele has reportedly received the green light from the administration to play the game against Atletico at Xavi’s request. The coach knows that he will undoubtedly receive a hostile reception from a packed Camp Nou but might have to start him nonetheless.

Memphis Depay and Ansu Fati would have, ideally, been the other two players fitting into this attacking trident, but with both players sidelined, we expect Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to play as the centre-forward.

Adama Traore makes a strong case for the final spot in this team, but it is nearly impossible to look past Ferran Torres at this point. His off-the-shoulder runs could prove to be the deciding factor against Atleti’s deep block.

Predicted Barça XI: ter Stegen; Alves, Araujo, Pique, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, de Jong; Dembele, Aubameyang, Torres

The cameos

If we go by this lineup for Sunday’s clash, it is inevitable that Gavi and Nico will come off the bench at some point. The former provides grit off the ball, while the latter’s ball-carrying ability and strength could be useful against the likes of Geoffrey Kondogbia and Rodrigo de Paul.

Xavi has not shied away from using an extra central defender in his team, off the bench, to defend a minor lead. As such, we expect Oscar Mingueza to get some minutes provided Barça are able to lead against Diego Simeone’s men.

Sergino Dest has been out of favour under the new coach, but might get minutes tomorrow, especially considering Alves’ workload.

Lastly, Adama Traore could get his second debut for Barcelona, even if he has to start from the bench. Ferran Jutgla and Ez Abde are in contention for the same.