Atletico Madrid travels to the Camp Nou tied with Barcelona 1-1 on aggregate in the 2013 Spanish Super Cup. David Villa put Atletico ahead in the first match last week at the Vicente Calderón but a second half goal from Neymar sent the tie back to Barca even.
Diego Simeone's side comes off a 5-0 demolition of Rayo Vallecano and a fully fit roster full of confidence. After defeating Real Madrid is last season's Copa de Rey final, the idea of playing for a cup in their opponent's home stadium shouldn't frighten Atletico. Plus it's a chance to send an early season message to a team they're hoping to challenge for the title.
Barcelona are waiting to see if Lionel Messi and Adriano are healthy despite the fact both have been training during the week. If Messi is healthy there's no doubt he'll start but Jordi Alba seems likely to get a start at left back. Gerardo Martino could sit Xavi or Andres Iniesta in favor of Cesc Fàbregas.
The away goals rule is used in the Super Cup so Barca have that in their pocket should the match end in a scoreless draw.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Ibrahim Afellay (thigh), Isaac Cuenca (knee), Carles Puyol (knee). In doubt: Adriano (hamstring), Lionel Messi (thigh).
Atletico Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: None
Messi was held out of Barcelona's win against Malaga over the weekend and Adriano picked up slight injury in the match. While the two players have been training this week, their status remains in doubt. If they are fit and look alright in pre-match, they'll probably play.
Projected lineups
Barcelona: Victor Valdés, Dani Alves, Gerard Piqué, Javier Mascherano, Adriano, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Alexis Sánchez, Lionel Messi, Neymar.
Atletico Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Juanfran, Diego Godin, João Miranda, Filipe Luis; Raúl García, Tiago Mendes, Gabi; Diego Costa, Arda Turan; David Villa
Match Date/Time: 11:00 p.m. local, 5:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: ESPN Deportes (U.S.), Sky Sports 4 (U.K.), GolTV (Canada)
Online: ESPN3 (U.S.)
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