Atletico Madrid vs Valencia : live, Preview And Prediction

While El Clasicos still garner the headlines and worldwide attention, it is Barcelona’s clashes with Madrid’s other major club that could be the defining matches of this Primera Division season. With 18 matches of the campaign gone, Atletico Madrid have an identical record to Barcelona at the top of La Liga, with 16 wins and just one defeat. But that is far from the only reason why the meeting between the two sides at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday promises to be such an intriguing occasion.

Martino’s biggest challenge could well be deciding which three forwards to select. It is at the other end, though, where Barcelona could be most tested. For a side that still controls possession in most matches, the Catalans give up too many chances, especially from set-pieces. It is difficult to imagine Atletico not creating at least a couple of good opportunities to score on Saturday. And with Costa in lethal form you wouldn’t bet against them getting on the score sheet. It will likely take Barcelona’s attacking players in top form to emerge with something from what has all the ingredients of an intense and captivating matchup.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Barcelona

When: The Spanish Primera Division clash will kick off from the Vicente Calderon at 2 p.m. ET.

FIELD REPORT

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Atletico Madrid

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Valencia

READER'S PREDICTIONS

TOP 3 PREDICTIONS

• Atletico Madrid 2-0 Valencia

  15.82 %

• Atletico Madrid 3-1 Valencia

  14.48 %

• Atletico Madrid 2-1 Valencia

  13.94 %

HEAD TO HEAD

Messi came on as a substitute in midweek and scored twice in 25 minutes against Getafe in the Spanish Cup but 50 days without a game prior to his return has left the Argentine manager pondering his final decision.

Martino said: 'Messi likes to finish games so sometimes the best way to make sure he does not over do it is to have him come off the bench. We are always thinking about the last game, but we have to remember he was out for almost two months before that. 

'He looked good on Wednesday but we will decide on Saturday whether or not he starts.'

If any team in the world can afford not to rush Messi back then it’s Barcelona who have averaged a goal every four games without him.

For the first time in their history at this stage of the sesaon Barcelona have five players on more than 10 goals. Pedro, Alexis and Cesc Fabregas have joined Messi and Neymar in double figures and leaving the four-times Ballon d’Or winner on the bench would still leave Barcelona with a front three to frighten any defence.