Barcelona visit tests Atletico's title credentials

Atletico Madrid have a great opportunity to show their La Liga title challenge is to be taken seriously this season when an under-strength Barcelona visit the Vicente Calderon on Saturday.

Both sides took the maximum six points from their opening two league fixtures last month, but it is Atletico after a summer of heavy investment in the transfer market who have looked the more impressive.

Diego Simeone's men won 3-0 at Sevilla last time out and are at full strength as left-back Filipe Luis has recovered from the hamstring problem that kept him out the trip to the Sanchez Pizjuan.

"Last year we finished third and had a good season, but this time we are hungry for more," said Atletico midfielder Koke.

"They are the favourites. They are the current champions of La Liga, but we are playing at home and are desperate to win again."
By contrast, Barcelona are without three first team regulars as Dani Alves and Claudio Bravo miss out through injury, whilst Gerard Pique is suspended.

Lionel Messi also hasn't trained with the Catalans all week as he only arrived back from international duty on Thursday and was given time off by the club to attend the birth of his second child on Friday.

However, Messi has been included in Luis Enrique's 18-man squad for the game and will start.

"The international break isn't an excuse for us or the opponents," said Barca boss Luis Enrique on Friday.

"(Javier) Mascherano and others have only been able to do one training session. Here we all know what happens when there is an international break and we are used to it. They have also had players on international duty and that is why the coaches are there, to ensure the team performs at its best no matter the circumstances.

"I expect Messi, just like everyone else, to be at his best."

- ter Stegen debut -

Thomas Vermaelen is expected to deputise once more in defence after scoring his first goal for the club in a nervy 1-0 win at home to Malaga two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Marc-Andre ter Stegen will make his La Liga debut in goal with Bravo set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a calf problem.

Real Madrid already trail Atletico and Barca by two points, but face a much easier task on paper this weekend when they travel to face Espanyol.

Rafael Benitez will have to do without both James Rodriguez and Danilo, though, after they returned back from international duty with a thigh tear and plantar fasciitis, better known as jogger's heel,  respectively.

Gareth Bale enjoyed a better time during his international commitments as he took Wales to the brink of their first major tournament in 58 years and he is expected to be handed a central role once more by Benitez after scoring twice last time out against Real Betis.

Elsewhere, Valencia and Sevilla are targeting their first wins of the league season ahead of their return to the Champions League in midweek.
Sevilla kick-off the weekend on Friday night away to Levante, whilst Valencia visit Sporting Gijon on Saturday.

David Moyes's Real Sociedad are also looking for their first win and first goal of the campaign after two consecutive 0-0 draws when they visit Real Betis on Saturday.

Fixtures (all times GMT)

Friday

Levante v Sevilla (1830)

Saturday

Espanyol v Real Madrid (1400), Sporting Gijon v Valencia (1615), Atletico Madrid v Barcelona (1830), Real Betis v Real Sociedad (1900)

Sunday

Granada v Villarreal (1000), Athletic Bilbao v Getafe (1400), Celta Vigo v Las Palmas (1615), Malaga v Eibar (1830)

Monday

Rayo Vallecano v Deportivo la Coruna (1830)
Source: AFP