Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho selection headache, Atlético's win or draw dilemma, and other key tactics for Sunday's clash

Aditya Devavrat 10:57 03/03/2018
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  • Philippe Coutinho provides Barcelona's biggest selection headache.

    A game like the one that awaits us on Sunday seemed scarcely possible a couple of months ago, as Barcelona looked like they were cruising to another La Liga title.

    But while they still remain unbeaten this season, a few costly draws and Atlético Madrid‘s stunning recent form has set up a genuine title race, with the two meeting on Sunday only five points apart.

    Read on for a tactical preview of Sunday’s clash.

    IS COUTINHO READY FOR THIS?

    Barcelona’s club-record signing is also Ernesto Valverde’s biggest selection headache. Philippe Coutinho has big-game experience from his Liverpool days, but he arguably hasn’t played in a game this big before. The destination of this year’s title rests on Sunday’s clash.

    Valverde may be better served trusting the midfield that he used before the 25-year-old’s arrival. Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets are guaranteed to start and Ivan Rakitic and Paulinho have been excellent.

    Using Coutinho as an impact player off the bench could even be a smart ploy. Unleashing the Brazilian on a tiring Atlético would give Barca a late edge.

    Play him from the start or use Coutinho as an impact sub?

    Play him from the start or use Coutinho as an impact sub?

    ATLÉTICO HAVE TO DECIDE WHETHER TO STICK OR TWIST

    Has Barcelona’s draw on Thursday altered the outlook of this tie? Had Atlético been seven points behind, the plan would have been clear: go for the win.

    But a five-point gap isn’t insurmountable. Barcelona may be unbeaten, but they’ve shown enough vulnerability that it’s easy to see them drawing three or four times in their final 11 games after Sunday.

    They’ve got a far tougher schedule than Atlético, with Sevilla, Celta Vigo, Valencia, and Real Madrid left to face.

    So, does Diego Simeone play for a draw and look to make up the five-point gap elsewhere? It’s far from impossible.

    With Griezmann and Costa in sublime form, Atletico must believe they can win.

    Griezmann and Costa are in sublime form. Do Atletico back them to lead their side to victory?

    4-4-2 VS 4-3-3: VALVERDE MAY LOOK TO NEW ROUTE FOR SUCCESS

    Valverde’s succeeded this season by playing a lopsided 4-4-2, with four central midfielders and Lionel Messi nominally in the front two.

    The system is designed to get Messi the ball as often as possible, usually a winning tactic. But it’s also led to plodding displays, like the one against Las Palmas on Thursday, where getting Messi the ball becomes Barcelona’s only tactic.

    Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele give Valverde the option to play a front three, with one of the two joining Messi and Luis Suarez. Paulinho’s presence allows the manager to switch to 4-3-3 to happen without sacrificing midfield solidity.

    Paulinho and Coutinho give Valverde flexibility in midfield.

    Paulinho and Coutinho give Valverde flexibility in midfield.

    CAN ATLÉTICO REPEAT FAST START?

    When the two sides met in Madrid in October, Atlético controlled the tempo of the game in the beginning and duly took the lead in the 21st minute through Saúl. Before that, Antoine Griezmann had forced Marc-André Ter Stegen into two excellent saves.

    Though Barcelona recovered to get a draw with an improved second-half display, it was the first time they dropped points this season, after winning their first seven league fixtures.

    Don’t be surprised if Atlético try to repeat their performance. A fast start would put Barcelona under pressure, and make no mistake, Barca are feeling the pressure right now.

    A fast start saw Saul give Atlético the lead against Barca in October.

    A fast start saw Saul give Atlético the lead against Barca in October.

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