Introduction
After a dramatic last-minute winning goal by Luis Suarez against Alaves at Mendizorozza. Simeone squad is facing Athletic Club at their royal home Wanda this evening. Athletic Club was defeated against Barca at their last meeting and they will be eager to face Atleti in their away game. Though Simeone’s side faced a shocking defeat at the Copa Del Rey meeting against Cornella. They should be confident enough for this upcoming home game. The table-toppers will be winning their 13th game if they beat Athletic Club and if Athletic Club wins they will be sharing equal points with Granada CF at 8th.
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Build-up
Atletico Madrid’s side is having some good games this season with a single defeat and two draws. They are facing Athletic Club for their consecutive LaLiga victory in 2021 after Alaves. Athletic Club on the other side are prepared to face Simeone’s squad to grab 3 points and to reach 8th. Under their new coach, Marcelino Athletic looked positive and fresh against Barca. Same things will be excepted from them as it’s just 2nd game in charge for Marcelino in the Basque Country.
Head to Head
Atletico Madrid has lost their only game till now that too against their city rivals Real Madrid in December. After that Atletico have continued their winning streak. The squad is sharp in attack after adding Suarez in the forward line who scored the winner last match against Deportivo Alaves. Though Athletic Club ended their last game of 2020 with a loss against Real Sociedad but started 2021 with a victory over Elche. Marcelino is looking forward to victory over Atletico and Simeone is not ready to take their visitors on an easy note at all.
Atletico Madrid La Liga form: W-L-W-W-W-W
Athletic Club La Liga form: L-W-D-L-W-L
Team News and Tactics
Atletico Madrid
Los Rojiblancos are in good form this season, but due to an injury against Cornella in the CDR, Gimenez will be unavailable tonight. Savic is expected to be seen after a one-game suspension against Alaves.
Possible Lineup Atletico Madrid: 3-5-2 /4-4-2
Simone could go either with his go-to formation of 4-4-2. Or else he could go with the formation he used in their last La Liga game that is 3 at the back with others being flexible enough to keep interchanging in-between positions.
Oblak in the goal, as usual, the one-man wall with loads of experience. The Defensive lineup will most probably be managed by Savic, Hermoso, and Felipe, Carrasco on the left-wing, and Vrsaljko or returning Tripper on the right side along with Koke, Llorente, and Lemar in central midfield alongside the forwards Correa and Suarez.
Athletic Club
Only one injury concern for Marcelino. Yuri Berchiche looks doubtful for this game after he was subbed off injured in their last game. He will most probably keep the squad unchanged apart from a forced change at left-back from the game against Barcelona. Much expectations from Muniain and Inaki Williams from the fans.
Possible lineup Athletic Club: 4-4-2
Unai Simon will be the goalkeeper, the probable defense tonight will be, Balenziaga/Yuri Capa, Martinez, Nunez, Iker Muniain, de Marcos, Vencedor and Vesga will be forming the midfield along with Garcia and Inaki Williams in the forward.
Stats:
Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club have played 41 games till now. Simeone’s team have won 24 and Bilbao won 11 and 6 draws. The last match was a loss against Blaugranas and that of Atletico was a win against Alaves. Marcelino’s squad is optimistic but pressure also remains still with them.
Players to watch:
Atletico Madrid-
Luis Suárez:
Former Barcelona and Uruguayan forward have played 12 games for Atletico Madrid and scored 9 goals with 2 assists. He scored in the last match against Alaves with a last-minute winner. Many expectations from this striker, a complete and very brilliant scorer Atleti have got on their side.
Marcos Llorente:
The 25 years old Spanish scored 6 goals in 15 games with 2 assists. A perfect scoring midfielder Simeone has got from Real Madrid. Whenever the team needs him he serves his best, he’s a big match player.
Athletic Club
Inaki Williams:
Williams has played 18 matches this season and scored 4 goals and 2 assists, he scored the opening goal against Barcelona last night in just 3 minutes, a very prolific striker and has got the ability to shoot long-range goals, Williams is expected to score against Atletico tonight.
Iker Muniain:
The Spanish Messi has played 18 games in LaLiga 2020-21 and scored 4 goals. A very good player who scored against Barca last night. His passing, dribbling, holding the ball in the midfield is very good, likes to play short passes with the teammates, Marcelino has got stability with having him in his side.
Conclusion
Overall the match will be highly interesting, though the visitors are confident to take 3 points, Simeone is one who’s not going to lose a single point at their home. After all, they are playing a good game this season, the top priority comes in continuing the winning streak and remain the table-toppers followed by Real Madrid and Barcelona.
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