League leaders Barcelona will host Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou on Sunday.

And while a win for the Catalans will take the league title further away from Diego Simeone’s men, a few key battles might decide the outcome of the top of the table clash.

LIONEL MESSI V ANTOINE GRIEZMANN

What to say about the maestro, Messi? His composure in front of goal is simply instrumental.

The Argentine has been at the centre of Barcelona’s exploits over the past decade and can be the tipping point between winning and losing.

His pace, touch, skill, intelligence and goal return makes him one of the all time greats – with 23 La Liga goals in 26 matches this season.

Messi will start from the right of the attack, bidding to score his 600th career goal against an Atletico Madrid side in sparkling form of late.

For the visitors, a massive game awaits for Griezmann who has been the centre of interest from Barcelona since the end of the summer transfer window.

Back-to-back hat-tricks have elevated the Frenchman’s status to one of La Liga’s marquee attackers – with 15 goals in 23 matches – and he now has the chance to further showcase his talents at the Camp Nou.

The 25-year-old has plenty of class around him in Gabi, Koke and Saul Niguez – and a re-vitalised Diego Costa – to help unlock the Barcelona defence as the visitors look to cut the gap to two points at the top of the table.

SAMUEL UMTITI V DIEGO GODIN

Umiti has been a towering presence during recent Barcelona outings, and will be looking to continue his impressive form when he comes up against Costa and Griezmann.

The Frenchman had a slow start to life at the Camp Nou but has shown signs of his class this term alongside Gerard Pique at the centre of the Blaugrana defence.

Although Umtiti has a tough battle on his hands, Godin will have his work cut out for him when he comes up against Messi and Luis Suarez.

A natural leader, Godin is the heartbeat of the Atletico defence and will use his experience and physicality to curtail the dynamic Barcelona duo.

Godin’s lack of agility could lead to problems for the visitors, but if the Uruguayan can stamp his authority on the game – using his combative style – then Atletico are in with a chance to contend well with Ernesto Valverde’s side.

Umtiti may have won more aerial duels and concedes less free-kicks than Godin, but the Atletico star has made four times as many interceptions and nine times as many clearances compared to his opponent.

LUIS SUAREZ V DIEGO COSTA

Suarez has been one of the stand-out players in La Liga over the past three months with a series of glittering displays.

The Uruguayan has taken his game to new heights – with 20 goals and six assists in 23 league appearances this term – after a run of mixed form at the start of the season.

His ability to orchestrate proceedings has added another layer of quality to a star-studded Barcelona attack already boasting plenty of firepower – and if he’s allowed to dictate the game with such aplomb then Atletico will struggle.

But in Costa, Atletico have an equally influential player – who has been a revelation since his return from Chelsea, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 10 matches in all competitions.

The Spaniard never shies away from the battle and if he can bag a goal or tee up Griezmann for an early strike, then Atletico can gain a foothold in the contest.