Atletico Madrid will play host to Real Madrid on Saturday afternoon in a derby that prove to be a scintillating encounter.
Match Preview
Real Madrid
After coming out unscathed against Barcelona at Camp Nou on Wednesday, Real Madrid face another uphill test on Saturday as they tackle second-place Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
The Los Blancos seem to have returned back to their blistering form after months of unwanted results during Jullen Lopetegui’s reign.
They currently enjoy life under Santiago Solari who has brought more calm and confidence into his players.
They have won four from the last five matches in all competitions, while they have lost just once in six previous La Liga fixtures.
Irrespective of the recent turnaround at Santiago Bernabeu, Solari’s men must prove their readiness to return back to prominent with a win over Diego Simeone’s men.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid, On the other side, started this season in a very inspiring manner but they couldn’t maintain the tempo.
They were tipped as the only club who would give Barcelona a run for their money in the race for the La Liga title. But a shock defeat to Real Betis last weekend dents their hope of making any claim for the title.
As it stands on the League table, Diego Simeone’s side occupy the second position with 44 points, while Real Madrid are third with 42 points.
Having played 22 League matches this term, Atletico have won 12, drawn eight, and lost just two — conceding 14 goals and scoring 32 goals in the process.
Team News
Real Madrid
Jesus Vallejo and Enzo Zidane won’t play any part in this fixture as both players are out due to hamstring injuries.
Marcos Llorente, who was forced out of Barcelona’s clash as result of groin injury, is set to miss Saturday’s game.
Toni Kroos, Marco Asensio, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, and Sergio Reguilon are likely to feature from the start of the game.
Atletico Madrid
Captain Diego Godin is set to return to starting lineup after missing their 1-0 defeat to Real Betis due to muscular complain.
Koke and Saul Niguel are also back to full training after overcoming their respective injuries and they are available for selection on Saturday.
Former Chelsea star Diego Costa is unavailable as he’s still recovering from his toe injury, while Stefan Savic is equally in the recuperating room following his Achilles problem.
Jose Gimenez, Partey and Rodri Hernandez, and Chelsea loanee Alvaro Morata are all set for starting to role against their local rivals.
Predicted Line-up
Atletico Madrid
Oblak; Arias, Gimenez, Godin, Lucas Hernandez; Koke, Thomas, Rodri, Saul; Griezmann, Morata
Real Madrid
Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Reguilon; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos; Bale, Benzema, Lucas