FC Barcelona to face most in form side in Europe

If Barça started the season with an impressive run of form, there can be no doubt that Atlético Madrid have picked up the baton as the most in form side in Europe. Diego Simeone's team have put together a run of 11 victories in all competitions (La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey), the best run of any side in Europe's top five leagues so far this season. On Saturday, Barça and Atlético meet in the Estadi Olímpic, kick off 9pm CET, with the blaugranes looking to put an end to los colchonernos run of wins. 

Contrasting runs of form 

Atlético are unbeaten in all competitions since 27 October when they lost 1-0 away at Betis. At the time Simeone's team found themselves in fourth place in La Liga, some 10 points behind leaders Barça. 

Nevertheless, coming into week 18's fixture between the two clubs in La Liga, Atlético and Barça are now level on 38 points in the table, the blaugranes still top on goal difference but the team from Madrid having played a game less. Atlético have won their last six matches in the league whereas Barça have won just one of their last six games in La Liga. 

Best attack v best defence 

Looking at the stats Barça are the team who have scored most goals in La Liga this season with an imposing total of 50. On Saturday, they face the side who have conceded fewest with 11, along with Real Sociedad. Despite their recent dip in form, Hansi Flick's team still lead the league in areas such as possession, completed passes and shots on goal. 

Reasons to believe 

As well as leading several categories on a collective level, Barça also have individuals who are pace setters this season. Robert Lewandowski's 16 goals in La Liga means he leads the race to be pichichi at the moment. Atlético's top scorers, Griezmann and Sorloth with seven, are some way behind. In terms of assists, Lamine Yamal has nine compared to former blaugrana Griezmann's four.  

Barça will have to be at their best to beat Atlético Madrid on Saturday but there are reasons to believe that Hansi Flick's side will still top the table over the holiday season.