With Celta Vigo and Deportivo Alaves contesting the other Copa del Rey semi-final, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona will be well aware that the winner of this tie will have a very good opportunity to lift the coveted trophy.

Neither side have been too impressive of late, meaning this will be a good chance for both teams to return to the right track.

Following several very successful campaigns, Atletico Madrid have not been playing to the highest standard this term, although there is still time to make things right.

Los Colchoneros largely impressed in the Champions League, topping their group ahead of Bayern Munich to set up a clash with Bayer Leverkusen in the next stage.

However, their league performances have left a lot to be desired and it would appear as though the title race is already over for Diego Simeone’s side.

Atletico remained in fourth place in spite of back to back draws against Athletic Club and Deportivo Alaves, but they are now huge ten points behind leaders Real Madrid.

Los Colchoneros will have to ward off challenge from Real Sociedad and Villarreal if they want to secure another Champions League qualification, but they will also attempt to go all the way in Copa del Rey.

Diego Simeone has serious selection problems ahead of the Barcelona clash as Jan Oblak, Augusto Fernandez, Angel Correa, Tiago Mendes, Jose Maria Gimenez and Thomas Partey are all unavailable.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Moya – Vrsaljko, Godin, Savic, Filipe Luis – Juanfran, Gabi, Saul, Koke – Ferreira-Carrasco, Griezmann.

Copa del Rey is also Barcelona’s best chance of lifting a major trophy this season, although the Catalans will obviously give their best to enjoy success in other competitions as well.

The La Liga trophy, however, looks a distant possibility after the weekend’s 1-1 stalemate against Real Betis, as they now trail Real Madrid four points, while los Blancos have a game in hand.

The Catalans toiled away throughout the clash in Seville and only prevented defeat by scoring late in the game, although they did have a clear goal wrongfully disallowed.

Barcelona have now been made 2.45 (29/20) favourites to defeat Atletico Madrid at Vicente Calderon, but they will have to work hard for the win on Wednesday evening.

Latest reports suggest that Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets are not yet ready to return and their absence will definitely be felt.

The only good news regarding selection is that Brazilian midfielder Rafinha is expected to be back in contention, although he is unlikely to start.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): ter Stegen – Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba – Suarez, Mascherano, Gomes – Messi, Suarez, Neymar.