Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona live stream, TV channel, lineups, betting odds for La Liga clash

Barcelona look to hold their top spot in the La Liga table as they hit the road to take on Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital on Sunday.

The Blaugrana will have to push forward without star striker Robert Lewandowski, who begins a three-match suspension for gestures made at a match official after being sent off in November before the World Cup break. His suspension was upheld on appeal in Spanish court, meaning he will be sidelined for the next three league matches, but he will be able to take part in other competitions.

Barca sit level on points with Real Madrid but are atop the standings on goal differential. A draw with Espanyol last time out allowed Los Blancos to draw back even, however a shock defeat to Villarreal on Saturday now puts Barcelona in the driving seat if they can win tonight.

Atletico, meanwhile, sit fourth in the table, 11 points back of the leaders, but have hit their stride after a difficult start to the season. Atleti have won each of their past four matches, although three of those have come in the Copa del Rey. Their lone league win since returning from World Cup action was a 2-0 victory over Elche in dominant fashion.

LIVE BLOG: Follow the match live with highlights, commentary, and more

What time is Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona kick off?

This La Liga clash will kick off at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, January 8 at 9:00 p.m. local time in Madrid, Spain.

Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:

*Game starts on the following day, January 8 in these time zones

MORE: Updated Barcelona news & rumors for January 2023 transfer window

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona TV channel, live stream

Here's how to watch all of the action from this match in some of the major territories:

UK: La Liga matches in the UK are carried on LaLiga TV and ITV, with ITV's streaming platform ITVX available for online viewing.

USA: All La Liga matches in the United States are shown on ESPN's premium streaming service ESPN+, requiring a subscription to view.

Canada: All La Liga matches in Canada are available via TSN's streaming options.

Australia: Fans in Australia can stream every match live and on demand on Optus Sport. 

MORE: Watch every Premier League match live with fuboTV in Canada

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona confirmed lineups

The biggest question for Diego Simeone was how to deploy his three attackers in Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morata, and Joao Felix. Rumors continue to swirl about Felix's future at Atleti, but that doesn't affect his standing within the squad, starting alongside Griezmann with Morata on the bench.

There's a formational change as Simeone moves to a 4-4-2, dropping Axel Witsel while Koke and Reinildo enter the mix.

Mario Hermoso is suspended after being sent off in their last La Liga match.

Predicted Atletico Madrid XI (3-5-2): Oblak (GK) — Reinildo, Gimenez, Savic, Molina — Llorente, Koke, Barrios, Carrasco — Griezmann, Felix

Our starting XI! pic.twitter.com/Ncd0fvG0Rl

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) January 8, 2023

With Xavi having rotated his squad heavily for the midweek Copa del Rey match, it's tough to know who will remain and who will drop to the bench this weekend. Sergio Busquets was the biggest question mark, as the 34-year-old will want to avoid overuse, but he starts, interestingly alongside Frenkie de Jong in a new look 4-4-2 formation.

One player who won't be involved is Robert Lewandowski who is in the midst of a three-match suspension after being sent off in a match before the World Cup break. His ban was put off briefly for appeal, allowing him to take part in the draw with Espanyol last weekend, but it was upheld in court, so he is out of action for three games.

It was thought either Memphis Depay or Ferran Torres ccould take that spot up front, with the former having started midweek against Intercity FC, but Xavi surprised many by pairing natural wingers Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati up front. Jordi Alba is also suspended, meaning Alex Balde is deployed at full-back.

MORE: All the latest Barcelona transfer news for the 2023 January window

Confirmed Barcelona XI (4-4-2): Ter Stegen (GK) — Kounde, Christensen, Alonso, Balde — Gavi, Busquets De Jong, Pedri — Fati, Dembele.

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona betting odds, prediction

Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), SkyBet (UK), & Ladbrokes (Australia).

Barcelona are favored in this match, but they still sport plus odds as bookmakers give Atletico Madrid a fighting chance thanks to their recent good form.

Part of that will be down to the individual players available for selection. Robert Lewandowski's absence certainly plays a factor, while Atletico sport Antoine Griezmann, one of the best players at the 2022 World Cup and in great form.

The two sides will find themselves evenly matched, and Barcelona could struggle for positive chances as they face a defensively sound Diego Simeone side.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Barcelona

MORE: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for La Liga clash