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5 Bold Predictions For Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid In La Liga Week 18

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5 Bold Predictions For Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid In La Liga Week 18

Lionel Messi as a Barcelona substitute
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What will Barcelona boss Luis Enrique do next? After dropping superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar to the bench for the club's 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad, Enrique's every move will now be scrutinized from here on out. It's been a horrific week for the Catalans, both on and off the field, and Atletico Madrid will be looking to prolong the nightmare this weekend. Here are five bold predictions ahead of the clash of two of La Liga's top teams.

5. Fernando Torres To Come To Life

Fernando Torres is presented as a Atletico Madrid player for the second time
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5. Fernando Torres To Come To Life

Fernando Torres is presented as a Atletico Madrid player for the second time
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Some would suggest that this is bolder than bold, but if returning to his hometown club can't re-energize Fernando Torres, then nothing will. The loan spell as a whole may fail for Torres and Atletico, but between the turmoil at Barcelona and Torres' renewed enthusiasm, some things are just meant to be. Torres will score in the game to add yet another chapter to his Atletico fairy tale and the current Barcelona horror show.

4. A Red Card

Andres Iniesta leaves the pitch after a Barcelona game
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4. A Red Card

Andres Iniesta leaves the pitch after a Barcelona game
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A game between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid -- two of La Liga's best teams and championship rivals -- is always going to be fiercely competitive. But on top of that, given the pressure and spotlight that is on Barcelona right now, the emotion involved will cause tempers to flare throughout the game and result in a red card for somebody.

3. At Least One Crazy Team Selection From Luis Enrique

Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique
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3. At Least One Crazy Team Selection From Luis Enrique

Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique
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We're not expecting Lionel Messi to play as a goalkeeper or anything -- although that would yield more playing time than the Argentine got in Barca's last game -- but Luis Enrique is fond of left-field team selections. Messi and Neymar, after starting on the bench in the team's last league game, will both surely return to the starting XI after the recent backlash. Even so, don't put it past Enrique to come out with another wacky team selection.

2. Barcelona Will Fail To Win

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone
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2. Barcelona Will Fail To Win

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone
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Barcelona need a win right now just to calm the storm that is engulfing the club for a brief period. Playing Atletico, however, could only be trumped in La Liga by playing Real Madrid, and Atletico will offer a tough road to a much-needed win. It's a road the Catalans will not ultimately be able to navigate, and Atletico will pick up a draw at the very least from the game.

1. Bad Performance From Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi playing for Barcelona
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1. Bad Performance From Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi playing for Barcelona
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Does Lionel Messi want Luis Enrique fired? Does he want to leave Barcelona for a new challenge? Well, firs off, he wants to play -- that's what the little genius wants most of all. Messi will almost certainly be back in the starting lineup against Atletico, but the Argentine has never really prospered under interrogation or intense pressure. Messi will be trying way too hard and his performance will suffer in another poor display from his team.

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