Barcelona and Atletico Madrid go head-to-head at Camp Nou on Saturday as La Liga's title race reaches its dramatic climax.
The visitors come into the weekend's showdown holding the advantage over their opponents, with a three-point lead over the reigning champions at the top of the table.
However, a win for Barca would see them pip Atletico to the title on the basis of their head-to-head record, following a 0-0 draw at Vicente Calderon back in January.
Both clubs have faltered in recent weeks, with Gerardo Martino's men dropping points in each of their last two matches, conceding a last-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw at home to Getafe before being held 0-0 at Elche last time out.
That stalemate opened the door for Atletico to clinch their first crown since 1996, but they too were left frustrated, drawing 1-1 with Malaga last time out after they had lost 2-0 at Levante one week earlier.
Those results set up what promises to be a tense finale on Saturday, with Diego Simeone's men knowing a win or a draw will see them end their 18-year wait for a 10th Liga title.
The Argentinian, a key part of the Atletico squad to lift the trophy back in 1996, has presided over an outstanding campaign, guiding the club to both the summit of La Liga and a UEFA Champions League final date with bitter rivals Real Madrid on May 24.
His opposite number Martino, however, has come under fire with Barca's hopes of a treble dashed in the space of eight days last month.
Atletico contributed to part of that disappointment, with their 1-0 in the Champions League quarter-final second-leg victory sealing a 2-1 aggregate success. Barca's misery was then compounded by a 2-1 reverse to Real in the Copa del Rey final a week later.
Sandwiched between those two losses was a 1-0 reverse at the hands of Granada, a result that seemingly left their league hopes in tatters.
However, a 17th home Liga win of the season would see Barca lift their fifth title in the last six campaigns.
Atletico defender Miranda, meanwhile, does not believe his side have missed their chance to claim glory by taking just one point from their last two matches, but insists they have to be wary of a dangerous Barca outfit.
"It has been a long season and at the beginning nobody believed that we would be in the fight for the league. We have to play well and look for victory," he said.
"They are a difficult team to play on the counter against because they're so good. They're a strong team, but we will try to play well and win."
Miranda also said he expects star striker Diego Costa to be fit for the clash after a niggling hamstring problem, although Cristian Rodriguez is still struggling with a similar injury.
For Barca, Neymar (toe) and Jordi Alba (hamstring) have not featured since the Copa final and remain doubts, while Gerard Pique's fitness is also uncertain after he cracked his hip in the Champions League quarter-final first leg between the two sides.
TEAM NEWS
BARCELONA
Neymar, Jordi Alba and Gerard Piqué have all been named in the squad having returned from lengthy injuries. The trio were all ruled out in April but trained with the squad on Friday and were given the medical green light later in the day. Carlos Puyol is also named in the squad but declared yesterday at his farewell event that he would play no part. Victor Valdés remains out.
With Valdés out, José Manuel Pinto will play his final game for the club. The Spanish keeper joined in 2008 but his contract is up at the end of the season and there is no sign of a renewal. Both Jordi Alba and Gerard Piqué are likely to immediately return to the starting line up with Adriano and Javier Mascherano dropping to the bench. So expect a back four of Dani Alves, Gerard Piqué, Marc Bartra and Jordi Alba.
In midfield, Martino will likely elect for the trusted partnership of Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández with Sergio Busquets playing deeper. Barcelona will be looking have as much control of the ball as possible, which these three players are expects at. Although he may choose to take it a set further and play all three of Cesc Fàbregas, Iniesta and Xavi with either Iniesta or Fàbregas playing as part of the front three. Personally I'd prefer to see Fàbregas start from the bench and come on later in the second half.
Similar to Alba and Piqué, I think Neymar will also make an immediate return to the starting eleven. If Tata does choose to play four midfielders, we may see Neymar in his less traditional position on the right but I imagine him starting the game from the left side with Pedro losing out. Fresh after signing a new contract, Lionel Messi will start in the centre and my prediction is Alexis Sánchez will partner him on the right.
ATLÉTICO MADRID
Diego Simeone has been blessed with a fully fit squad in what is the biggest game in his managerial career. His star striker Diego Costa was the centre of many stories on Tuesday after reports claimed Chelsea had agreed a deal with the Madrid club for the Brazil born Spaniard's signature and this game could very well decide his future.
Costa will likely be used alongside ex-Barça man David Villa in a 4-4-2 formation. Atleti will be looking to disrupt the Catalans' passing game and will do this by bolstering their midfield. The likes of Tiago, Gabi, Arda Turan and Koke will be the key in stopping Barça getting into their groove.
Another man who may well leave the club in the summer is Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian keeper is on-loan from Chelsea and there have been rumours about whether he would be returning to Spain next season. In an ideal world Courtois would love to give the club a league and Champions League double if he is to leave.
FORM GUIDE
Barcelona: LLWWDD
Atlético Madrid: WDWWLD
LAST MEETING
Atlético Madrid 1-0 FC Barcelona - 9th April 2014 - UEFA Champions League
An early goal from Koke coupled with a great defensive performance from Atlético meant the Madrid side progressed in the competition at the expense of Barça.
LIKELY LINE-UPS
FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Pinto, Alves, Piqué, Bartra, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Neymar, Messi, Alexis
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2): Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Luis, Koke, Tiago, Gabi, Turan, Villa, Costa
Kick Off time : 17:00HRS
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