Third-placed Atletico Madrid hope a solid showing against Barcelona will create a perfect introduction to the Copa del Rey final clash with Real Madrid.

The Catalans returned to winning ways as they came from behind to defeat Real Betis, but they now face a tough task against Diego Simeone’s side.

As the season is slowly drawing to a close, Atletico Madrid are preparing for the match of the campaign seeing they face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Friday.

Los Colchoneros have lost the race for the second place in the league standings to their arch rivals, but they are certainly hoping to exact revenge when the two sides meet last time this season.

However, Diego Simeone’s men will first have to prove their worth against stuttering Barcelona, which is going to be no easy task.

Even so, odds of 4.00 (3/1) offered at Coral on home win are enough to suggest the hosts are not without chances in this high-profile clash.

After registering a goal in the 3-1 victory over Celta, top scorer Radamel Falcao is 2.25 (5/4) at Stan James to score against Barca as well.

Mario Suarez is doubtful through injury, but Thibaut Courtois and Diego Costa should feature after recovering from their respective ailments.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Courtois – Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Filipe Luis – Koke, Tiago, Gabi, Adrian – Falcao, Costa.

While everybody is talking about the end of club’s European domination, Barcelona are cruising towards another La Liga title.

With the Catalans eight points clear at the top, while having a game in hand, they can clinch the league title by winning at Vicente Calderon and that should be enough incentive for the players to give their best against Atletico.

After the players restored some of the lost confidence with the 4-2 victory over Real Betis, Barca are 1.95 (19/20) with Paddy Power to win at the Calderon.

Lionel Messi finally looks fit enough to start and having scored a brace against los Verdiblancos, he is 1.62 (5/8) with Stan James to continue his scoring run.

In spite of the European blues, Barcelona are hoping to end the season on a high and they aim to win all the remaining games in the league.

Tito Vilanova will have Victor Valdes back to the side, but Javier Mascherano and Eric Abidal might not be in contention for the Atletico game.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Valdes – Alves, Pique, Adriano, Alba – Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta – Sanchez, Messi, Fabregas.

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