Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone takes charge of his 30th game as manager of the Madrid based giants today against Barcelona.

Barca head coach Luis Enrique will be without Javier Mascherano who is injured and Arda Turan is also out.

Turan did return to training this week after recovering form injury but Enrique has decided not to include him in the match day team.

The Turkish international has not recovered sufficiently in time for this crucial game.

Barcelona could move into first place in the La Liga with a victory over Atleti but Real Madrid still have a game in hand.

Enrique has decided to start with Rafinha alongside Busquets and Iniesta in central midfielder.

Rafinha will start ahead of Rakitic and Ander Gomes. Elsewhere Enrique has sprung no major surprises. The MSN – Messi, Neymar and Suarez – will lead the attack while Umtitti and Pique will start in central defence with Roberto and Mathieu out wide.

Atletico Madrid v Barcelona: Confirmed Starting Line-ups

Atletico Madrid Starting XI: Oblak, Vrsalkjo, Luis, Godin, Savic, Gabi, Koke, Saul, Carrasco, Griezman, Gameiro

Barcelona Starting XI: 1. Ter Stegen 3. Piqué 5. Sergio Busquets 8. Iniesta 9. Suárez 10. Messi 11. Neymar 12. Rafinha 20. S. Roberto 23. Umtiti 24. Mathieu

Subs: 13. Cillessen, 4. Rakitic, 6. Denis Suárez, 17. Paco Alcácer, 18. Jordi Alba, 19. Digne, 21. André Gomes