Barcelona can ensure they end the calendar year at the top of La Liga with victory over Atletico Madrid at home on Saturday.
The Blaugrana team has faltered in its attempt to be crowned Spanish champions, winning just once in its past six matches in the Spanish League. Atletico As a result, the team was able to catch up with Hansi Flick's team and could overtake them with a win at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Barcelona's injuries have decreased in recent weeks, but this has not seen an improvement in performance. The 1-0 home defeat to Leganes last time out highlighted that Flick still has a lot of work to do in Catalonia if he is to end his first season with a title.
Here's how Barcelona He could line up this weekend.
Goalkeeper: Iñaki Pena – Pena has been the mainstay in the Barcelona team since Marc-Andre ter Stegen's injury, but the Spaniard has not kept a clean sheet in his last five matches.
Right-back: Jules Kounde – Barcelona relied heavily on Kounde this season and he rarely faltered. The Frenchman is likely to be kept busy with Samuel Leno on Saturday, who has registered a goal and two assists in his last three games.
Centre-back: Pau Kuparsi – The youngster will return to the starting lineup on Saturday after being used only from the bench against Leganes. Ronald Araujo's return could threaten his starting place after Christmas.
Center back: Inigo Martinez – Martinez's consistency has been commendable in the first half of the season, but the 33-year-old will enjoy a well-deserved rest over the winter break.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde – The young left-back is arguably Barcelona's best player against Leganes and will keep Atletico's right winger honest with his overlapping runs. It should likewise be played into its own half.
German Mark: Mark Casado – Frenkie de Jong has been struggling to return to the Barcelona team since his return from injury, and this is the case for Casado. The star continues to provide expert balance in the engine room.
DM: Pedri – Pedri's playmaking abilities may be needed to break down Atleti's well-organised defence. The Rojiblancos conceded only 11 goals League This season and unlocking them will not be easy.
Right wing: Fermin Lopez – With Lamine Yamal injured in the following Saturday's match Ankle injury suffered against LeganesLopez may be tasked with filling in on the right side.
AM: Dani Olmo – Olmo has not been able to produce the same performances as he did earlier in his debut season, but, like Pedri, his versatility will be vital if Barcelona are to cause problems in Atleti's backline. He has A dark cloud over his future Which won't help matters.
Left wing: Rafinha – One man who has continued to pull his weight during Barcelona's recent slump is Rafinha, whose La Liga tally stands at 11 goals and six assists already. He has scored four goals in his last five matches as well.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski – It was not an inspiring performance by Lewandowski's standards against Leganés, but scoring 16 goals in 17 La Liga games cannot be underestimated. You can never bet on the Polish striker not being able to find the back of the net.
