Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid (4-2) Feb 6, 2022 Match Preview and Stats

Barcelona head into the second half of the season with a new-look squad thanks to the club’s business in the January transfer window.

Attacking reinforcements were a priority for Barca and head coach Xavi in the window, and the Blaugrana eventually signed Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Manchester City and Arsenal respectively, while Adama Traore was brought in on loan from Wolves.

Xavi now has much more options in the final third than he did previously, and the new recruits have come at a good time, too, as Ansu Fati is set to miss around six weeks of action.

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Barca have one of the biggest matches of their season on Sunday as they take on Atletico Madrid. The Catalan side are currently fifth in La Liga while Atletico are fourth, and if the former can win this weekend, they will leapfrog Diego Simeone’s side into the Champions League qualification spots.

Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet, Sergi Roberto, Eric Garcia, Alejandro Balde and Fati are missing due to injury, while there are concerns over the fitness of Memphis Depay.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start in goal behind a likely back four of Dani Alves, Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba.

Pedri, Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong is the likely midfield three.

As this close to a must-win match for Barca, Xavi may decide to unleash his three forward signings to see what they can do, which would be a kick in the teeth for Luuk de Jong who has two goals in three games.

Aubameyang has not played a competitive game since the start of December so he might feature on the bench, with Traore and Torres flanking De Jong.