Barca currently have an eight-point lead at the top of the table, but their six-game winning run in the league came to an end on Wednesday night when they drew 4-4 at Villarreal.

It is a huge period of the season for the Catalan giants considering that they will host Atletico before visiting Manchester United next Wednesday for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

A record of 21 wins, seven draws and two defeats from their 30 league matches this season represents a strong campaign for Barca, who have not lost against Atletico in Spain's top flight since February 2010.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Barca could line up against Diego Simeone's side.

POSS BAR XI vs. ATL

Out: Rafinha (knee), Ousmane Dembele (hamstring), Arturo Vidal (suspension)

Barca will once again be without the services of Ousmane Dembele due to a hamstring problem, while Rafinha is still on the sidelines having undergone a knee operation earlier this season.

Arturo Vidal, meanwhile, is suspended having picked up another yellow against Villarreal last time out.

Lionel Messi, Ivan Rakitic and Gerard Pique all started on the bench against the Yellow Submarine, but they will return to the starting XI against Atletico on Saturday night.

Nelson Semedo, meanwhile, is in line to replace Sergi Roberto at right-back as Valverde prepares to select a strong XI despite the trip to Old Trafford being on the horizon.

Sergio Busquets, Arthur and Luis Suarez will all keep their spots in the team, while Philippe Coutinho should also feature from the start.