Best Odds: 6/4
Bookmaker:
Looking to claim an immediate response on Saturday afternoon, Atletico Madrid will welcome Sevilla to the Metropolitano Stadium.
Atletico Madrid
Starting with the hoists, while Atletico Madrid might have continued to receive a string of plaudits since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, Diego Simeone’s men are seeking a recent boost. Last seen earlier in the week suffering an infamous collapse at home against Getafe as they eventually had to settle for a 3-3 stalemate, the Colchoneros know that they are seeking a minor miracle in their bid to snatch a 12th domestic crown in the New Year. Hit with a 2-0 loss at the hands of Athletic Bilbao earlier in the month Simeone will also have a mounting headache over his side’s recent issues at the back. Despite punching their Champions League knockout stage ticket with a real flurry, Atletico have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Now holding just a three-point buffer from dropping out of La Liga’s top-four, Saturday’s hosts will know the importance of making a statement here.
Team News
Shown a pair of first half bookings against Getafe earlier in the week, former Manchester City defender Stefan Savic will serve a one-match suspension here. Not making a single appearance since the middle of September after sustaining a long-term Achilles tendon injury, French midfield Thomas Lemar will once again miss out on Saturday afternoon.
Making real history in midweek and becoming Atletico’s joint all-time leading goalscorer, Antoine Griezmann will have another leading role to play at the Metropolitano. Already notching nine La Liga strikes this season. Alvaro Morata will make a full return here.
Sevilla
As for the visitors, turning to Sanchez Flores earlier in an attempt to steady their sinking ship, the former Watford boss couldn’t have gotten his tenure off to a better start. Putting in a stunning performance away at Granada on Tuesday night as they eventually stormed their way to a 3-0 romp, that was the first La Liga victory that Sevilla have claimed since the end of September. However, showing a string of issues this season and still firmly looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, the former Europa League champions are desperate to find some crucial stability. Opening Saturday’s trip to the capital holding just a three-point buffer over slipping into the drop zone, Flores will be dreaming of the chance to spring a heavyweight upset here. However, hit with an infamous 6-1 drumming when they last travelled to the Metropolitano back on March 4th, Sevilla should be bracing themselves for another stern examination this weekend.
Team News
Still dealing with a stacked injury list, Sevilla will once again be without the likes of Marcos Acuna, Loic Bade, Mariano Diaz, Erik Lamela, Jesus Navas, Djibril Sow and former Manchester City midfielder Fernando. However, after serving a one-match suspension against Granada earlier in the week, Croatian star Ivan Rakitic could make a full return here.
While Youssef En Nesyri might have failed to notch a single domestic strike since returning from November’s international break, the Morocco international will spearhead Sevilla’s charge on Saturday afternoon.
Key Factors to Consider
