Simeone 'confirms' that Ivan Rakitic will be replaced by Arturo Vidal
The Atletico boss says he knows the Chilean will start Saturday's game for Barça
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has no doubts who will take Ivan Rakitic's place in the Barcelona side for Saturday's game at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Ernesto Valverde would not reveal who will come in for the Croatian but Simeone says it will be Chilean international Arturo Vidal.
"Barça have the same spine," Simeone said. "Malcom, Coutinho or Dembele could give them that pace, but the rest is the same, except Rakitic will not be there and will clearly be replaced by Arturo Vidal. "
Simeone's had success against Barça in the Champions League but he's never been able to beat them in La Liga.
"The truth is that we've always struggled against Barcelona," he added. "They've not been consistent in Europe in recent years but their numbers in Spain have been tremendous.
"We've done better in the Champions League, in knockout games, but we've struggled [against them] in the league. But the word opportunity is always a nice one in football."
