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Jan 9, 2020 at 7pm UK
 
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Messi (51'), Griezmann (62')
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Koke (46'), Morata (81' pen.), Correa (86')

Combined XI: Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid

Sports Mole selects its strongest combined XI from the Barcelona and Atletico Madrid squads ahead of Thursday's Supercopa de Espana semi-final.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have travelled to Saudi Arabia this week to contest the Supercopa de Espana.

With Real Madrid and Valencia due to do battle in the first semi-final on Wednesday, Barca and Atletico will square off at King Abdullah Sports City on Thursday evening.

The Catalan giants are looking to win the competition for the 14th time in their history, while Atletico have ambitions to prevail for just the third time.

Ernesto Valverde has witnessed his Barcelona team put together a 12-match unbeaten streak, although three of their last four La Liga fixtures have ended in draws.

Meanwhile, after a spell of poor form, Diego Simeone has watched Atletico record four victories in a row, helping them through to the last 16 of the Champions League and to within five points of Barcelona in Spain's top flight.

Here, Sports Mole selects its strongest combined XI from the two squads, using only players available for Thursday's encounter.



Combined XI: BAR vs. ATM

While Marc-Andre ter Stegen is not available due to a knee injury, Atletico's Jan Oblak would have still gotten the nod with us after a strong opening half to the season.

Neither Kieran Trippier nor Sergi Roberto has held down the right-back role at their respective clubs, but the Englishman is preferred due to his crossing ability and threat from set pieces.

On the opposite flank, Jordi Alba is the logical choice, while Gerard Pique and Jose Gimenez take the central positions at the back, despite not necessarily producing their best form this season.

Despite having an array of options to choose from in midfield, selecting Sergio Busquets in a defensive role is a no-brainer, as is giving freedom to Frenkie de Jong in a more advanced role.

Saul Niguez and Thomas Partey both had claims for the final position, with the former getting the nod due to his greater ability going forward.

With Joao Felix and Alvaro Morata at their disposal, Atletico could easily have been represented in the final third.

However, as a result of 31 goals and 17 assists being contributed between Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in La Liga this season, we cannot go against Barcelona's established trio in attack.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid35286178225690
2GironaGirona35236675443175
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao351711757352262
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Villarreal35139135960-148
9Valencia34138133739-247
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves35119153440-642
12Sevilla351011144749-241
13Osasuna35117173953-1440
14Las PalmasLas Palmas35107183044-1437
15Mallorca35714142840-1235
16Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
17Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
RGranada3549223668-3221
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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