Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are tied at the top of La Liga and meet in their final game of the year on Sunday.
The Blaugrana's strong start to the season has petered out, allowing Atletico to catch them in the standings following a real upturn in form after a slow start.
Barca have lost their last two home games at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys and Atletico's improved form suggests they can frustrate their hosts.
- ATLETICO DOUBLE CHANCE
- HIGHEST SCORING HALF - SECOND HALF
- ANTOINE GRIEZMANN ANYTIME GOALSCORER
Atletico Can Grab Something From Catalan Clash
Barcelona made a wonderful start to the season but while they still sit top of La Liga and have already at least guaranteed a playoff spot in the Champions League, they have struggled for results of late, winning just one of their last six La Liga matches.
Atleti are also likely to make at least the playoffs in the Champions League and are in fabulous form, winning their last 11 in all competitions, and their six straight La Liga victories have drawn them level with Barca on 38 points, with a game in hand.
Real Madrid are a point behind, having also played a game fewer than Barca, so every point counts, which could prompt Diego Simeone to sit deep.
With Lamine Yamal the latest Blaugrana star to suffer an injury, Los Colchoneros could look to frustrate their hosts and then strike on the break.
A win in their final game of 2024 would be a magnificent result but Simeone would also take a draw.
Expect Atleti to try and control the game, making them well worth a look in the Double Chance market.
ATLETICO DOUBLE CHANCE
Goals Most Likely After The Break
With a tight game expected, the opening 45 minutes may be a bit of a damp squib before the sides get things together after the break.
There have been more goals in the second half in six of Barcelona's last seven in all competitions, while the same is true of three of Los Colchoneros' last four.
With confidence dwindling among the Barcelona players and Atleti happy to hold their line and defend deep, the game could spark into life after the interval.
HIGHEST SCORING HALF - SECOND HALF
Griezmann Can Haunt His Former Employers
Antoine Griezmann never got a fair shot during his two years at Barcelona before returning to Atletico on loan in 2021 and re-signing permanently the following year.
The Frenchman's problem was that he had Lionel Messi in the same position, so had to adapt his game to help the Argentinean. However, as long as he pitches in defensively, Simeone is happy to allow him to express himself.
Griezmann is enjoying another strong season, scoring 11 goals in all competitions, with his failure to net during his 63 minutes on the field in last Sunday's 1-0 victory over Getafe halted a run of seven goals in five games.
The 33-year-old will be relishing facing a defence that has failed to record a clean sheet in the league since October and he looks a good price to grab a goal on Montjuic.
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN ANYTIME GOALSCORER
