Philippe Coutinho and Gerard Pique have returned to Barcelona's starting lineup for this afternoon's crunch La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid.

The pair were named on the bench for the trip to Las Palmas three days ago with this top-of-the-table showdown in mind, as Barca attempt to protect their five-point advantage at the summit.

Barca boss Ernesto Valverde has also recalled Ivan Rakitic in midfield and Jordi Alba at full-back following his return from suspension, meaning that Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi will continue to work in tandem up top.

There is another start for Sergi Roberto on the opposite flank to Alba, meanwhile, as Nelson Semedo is expected to spend the next five weeks on the sidelines with an injury.

As far as the visitors are concerned, they are without defender Stefan Savic due to minor injury, but Lucas Hernandez is fit enough for a place among the subs.

Diego Simeone has gone with a front-two pairing of Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa, with the former aiming to build on an impressive run that has seen him net seven goals in his last two games and 15 times overall in the league this term.

Atleti boss Simeone has never previously beaten Barcelona in 12 attempts, although he did see his side claim a 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano in the reverse fixture.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Coutinho, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez
Subs: Cillessen, Paulinho, Dembele, Digne, Gomes, Paco, Vermaelen

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Vrsaljko, Gimenez, Godin, Luis; Saul, Thomas, Gabi, Koke; Griezmann, Costa
Subs: Werner, Correa, Gameiro, Lucas, Torres, Juanfran, Vitolo

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