Introduction
After scoring the late winning goal with Suarez against Eibar, Atleti is confident at their home meeting in Valencia tonight. Simeone’s squad has a lucky charm in the attack with Luis Suarez who is consistently helping them win. Valencia drew their last home game against Osasuna and will look to get back to winning ways. Atletico could win their 15th match tonight and stay on top of the table with a game in hand over Real Madrid, who sit second. If Valencia beat the toppers, they will be level on points with Levante, Getafe as well as Celta Vigo. Atleti have strength in their attack and defense. Valencia, on the other hand, is a stable team having a quality attack and midfield.
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Build-up:
Atletico Madrid has been playing charismatic football this season. They’ve suffered only defeat at the hands of Real Madrid so far. A win today would be their third consecutive victory against Valencia’s head to head. Atleti will be keen to get back to winning ways after their shock defeat against Cornella in Copa Del Rey earlier this week. Valencia on the other hand needs to secure a better position on the table.
Head-to-head
So far, Valencia and Atleti have played each other 47 times. This encounter has almost always been fiery historically speaking with 2.5 goals in every match. There have been 16 draws, 18 wins for Atletico, and a competitive 13 wins for Valencia so far. However this doesn’t tell the whole story in recent years, Valencia has almost found it to play Atletico. Their last 3 games have been bitter losses.
Atletico Madrid LaLiga form: W-W-W-W-W-W
Valencia CF LaLiga form: D-L-L-D-W-D
Team News and Tactics
Kieran Trippier’s absence as a part of an eight-game suspension is a huge blow to Atletico’s defense tonight. Hermoso too has an ankle injury and is also not expected to return from his one-game suspension. Javi Gracia’s Valencia has a fully fit squad at present.
Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup- 4-4-2:
Oblak on the goal, the defensive lineup will be managed by Savic, Felipe, Gimenez and Vrsaljko. Midfielders Joke, Lemar, Llorente,Carrasco followed by Suarez and Correa upfront.
Valencia CF possible starting lineup- 4-2-3-1:
Domenech in the goal, Correia, Diakhaby, Gabriel, and Gaya on the defense. Denis Cheryshev, Carlos Soler, Goncalo Guedes, and Racic on the midfield and attack – Gameiro and M. Gomez.
Players to watch out for
Atletico Madrid:
Luis Suarez
The Uruguayan forward has played 14 games for Atletico Madrid this season and has 5 goals along with 2 assists. Suarez scored the winning goal in the last game against Eibar. Tonight, the forward will be expected to bring his A-game.
Joao Felix
This young sensation has played 16 matches and scored 5 goals and has three 3 assists so far. His speed and agility are improving by the day. He could be a great striker for Portugal in the coming days.
Valencia CF:
Maximiliano Gomez
The 24 year young forward has played 16 games and scored 5 goals so far. Javi Gracia has a lot of expectations from this Uruguayan forward.
Goncalo Guedes
This Portuguese has played 14 games for Valencia this season and has scored a goal thus far. Despite his mediocre goal contributions, his dribbling and pace will be a great asset to the team.
Conclusion
Overall Wanda is going to witness a great clash tonight where no team will want to lose points, Atletico is eagerly looking forward to a victory at home. But Valencia CF is not an easy team to play against. Javi’s side is full of energy and creativity in their style of play. After their draw to Osasuna, they too will be looking to get back to winning ways.
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