An air of uncertainty has surrounded Barcelona recently with reports of backroom unrest compounding rumours that star player Lionel Messi wants to leave the Catalan club.
A loss to Real Sociedad in their last league outing has not helped matters, and Atletico will be full of confidence after seeing off city rivals Real Madrid 2-0 in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
The two sides have played out five draws in their last six meetings, with Atletico's 1-0 win in the Champions League quarter-finals last term the only victory either side have enjoyed over the other in the last two seasons.
The clash could also see Fernando Torres make his first league appearance for Atletico since he left the club in 2007, with the 30-year-old playing 60 minutes in his side's cup fixture midweek.
Carlo Ancelotti's side saw their 22-game unbeaten run snapped by Valencia in their last league outing before their loss to Atletico, but they will be confident against an Espanyol side who have also lost their last two games and have not tasted success against Real since 2007.
Fifth-placed Sevilla travel to Almeria in Sunday's early kick-off as they attempt to shore up their grip on a Europa League spot.
