Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 03/02/2022, 12:14  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 03/02/2022 at 13:14 in LaLiga Predictions

Barcelona will play host to Atletico Madrid in their next match in the Spanish La Liga as the two giants look to get back on track following tough outings in January. Barcelona head to this game placed sixth with 35 points, one behind fourth placed Atletico Madrid. The hosts should go to this game a stronger team, with the addition of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traore to their ranks. They can also eye defensive improvement with Dani Alves now cleared to play, and compared to their first leg team, they are now stronger. In their last match, Barcelona beat Alaves 1-0 for their first clean sheet in five matches. It was a marked improvement from their previous two games against Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, where they lost 3-2 in each. Three of their last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals and both sides have scored in four of the five matches. In the last six league matches, Barcelona are unbeaten, with three wins but only two clean sheets.

Atletico Madrid haven’t lost to Barcelona in their last five meetings, and they have three straight clean sheets in matches against Barcelona. First half goals from Thomas Lemar and Luis Suarez ensured Atlético beat Barcelona 2-0 in the first leg meeting and they will be keen on extending this good run over Barca. Though they have a game in hand, Atletico are a massive 14 points behind league leaders Real Madrid. Their title defence has seemed weak for a better part of the season and here, they’ll at least aim at staying in the top four. It is their defence they will want to improve on here, having conceded in each of their last four matches. Atletico have conceded twice in the last four games, failed to score once, and go to this game with. One clean sheet in five matches. Four of their last five games have produced over 2.5 goals and both sides have scored in three of the five.