After the 9-0 aggregate triumph over Elche, Barcelona will have a much bigger fish to fry when they host La Liga holders Atletico in the first leg of Copa del Rey quarter-final.

Los Colchoneros did brilliantly to eliminate local rivals Real Madrid from the competition, but another giant of European football awaits in the next stage.

While the media insist that Luis Enrique is slowly losing the dressing room support, Barcelona players do not appear too concerned by the latest rumours and they are playing really well at the moment.

The Catalans did suffer a disappointing defeat to struggling Real Sociedad in the first match of 2015, but they have since returned to the right track.

Copa del Rey wins over Elche were followed by 3-1 and 4-0 triumphs over Atletico and Deportivo in the league, with Lionel Messi rediscovering his scoring touch.

As a result, Barcelona should be considered favourites to defeat los Colchoneros for the second time in ten days, with home win paying 1.53 (8/15).

Luis Enrique is widely expected to field his strongest side in midweek, although Marc-Andre ter Stegen is likely to continue his Copa del Rey run.

Xavi Hernandez should be in contention for starting places, but Thomas Vermaelen and Douglas Pereira are out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): ter Stegen – Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba – Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta – Messi, Suarez, Neymar.

Atletico Madrid is proving time and again that last season’s success was by no means an accident, as the team are again showing their quality when facing Europe’s best sides.

Los Colchoneros faced a very difficult task against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey last 16 stage, but they impressed to record a 4-2 aggregate win and make it to the quarter-finals.

The draw was again harsh on them as it is Barcelona that stands in the way of the semi-final berth, but Atletico players have no reason to doubt their chances.

Los Colchoneros were beaten at Camp Nou in the league mere ten days ago, but they can be backed at 7.50 (13/2) to record a victory this time out.

Diego Simeone could make a couple of changes to the side that defeated Granada at the weekend, with Antoine Griezmann and Raul Garcia pushing for starting places.

Tiago Mendes could return to the side after missing the weekend’s fixture, but Cristian Ansaldi remains an injury doubt.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Oblak – Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Siqueira – Turan, Gabi, Tiago, Koke – Mandzukic, Griezmann.