Atletico Madrid v Barcelona: Predicted lineups

Atletico Madrid have a major opportunity to make a statement if they defeat FC Barcelona on home soil and earn a place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in nearly four decades.

The Mattress Men are defying all the doubters and odds makers with their current place at the top of the Spanish La Liga, and a victory over Barcelona would mean even more for their confidence.

Javier Manquillo, Arda Turan and Diego Costa will all be major misses for the home side but there is still much left in the side as Raul Garcia and David Villa are believed most likely to partner upfront at the expense of Diego, who scored the crucial away goal in their last meeting.

Víctor Valdés, Jonathan dos Santos and Gerard Piqué are all out for Barcelona with Valdes gone for the foreseeable future. Getting on the board early will be a major plus for Barca if they can pull it off.

In a showdown that has so much meaning for the two sets of fans, it is certain to be a match that has all the atmosphere of a La Liga title bought plus the added UCL drama.

Atletico XI: Courtois: Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Rodriguez, Gabi, Tiago, Koke, Garcia, Villa.

Barcelona XI: Pinto: Alves, Mascherano, Bartra; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Fabregas, Messi, Neymar.