Copa del Rey winners Atletico Madrid and La Liga champions Barcelona square off in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup at Vicente Calderon.

Los Colchoneros are determined to continue the uptrend in fortunes that started with the arrival of Diego Simeone, although they are not really expected to enter the title race this term.

Nevertheless, for the first time after quite a while, Atletico will be playing Champions League football, with the match against Barcelona likely to show whether they have what it takes to match Europe’s top sides.

And while many will point to the fact that Radamel Falcao is no longer at Vicente Calderon, there’s no denying the club have done excellent piece of business as they cashed in on the Colombian and then bought David Villa and Leo Baptistao on cut-price deals.

Following some very good performances in pre-season, Atletico enjoyed a bright start to the league campaign, recording a 3-1 away victory over Sevilla, meaning they go into the Barcelona game full of confidence.

Even if they are clearly the underdogs here, there may be some value in betting on home win, at odds of 5.10 (41/10) offered at 888sport.

Chances are David Villa will be out to get revenge on his former employers, so bear in mind he is 3.50 (5/2) with Unibet to score at anytime.

With no fresh injury worries to report, Diego Simeone looks set to field the same side that started at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Courtois – Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Luis – Koke, Mario, Gabi, Arda – Diego Costa, Villa.

New era for Barcelona began with Tata Martino, who, despite not being an automatic choice to replace Tito Vilanova, appears to have no problems managing such a high-profile side.

His side will have something to prove this season after they suffered an embarrassing exit from the Champions League last term, while also hoping to defend the La Liga title.

Even with star players Messi and Neymar struggling for fitness, the Catalans recorded a 7-0 victory over Levante in their opening league fixture, and are now looking to turn on the style against Atletico Madrid as well.

Everything suggests they will face a much tougher task this time out, but they are still 1.73 (8/11) favourites with Stan James to win at Vicente Calderon.

After scoring a brace against Levante, Lionel Messi can be backed at 1.53 (8/15) at Betfred to continue his goalscoring run.

Gerardo Martino is spoilt for choices in all areas of the pitch, but he is expected to recall Andres Iniesta to the side, while Neymar is also pushing for a start.

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

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