Atletico Madrid v Sevilla: Set-piece barrage to continue from hosts

Atletico Madrid defender Miranda warned Sevilla to expect a bombardment of set pieces when the two sides clash on Saturday.

Miranda – who has already weighed in with three La Liga strikes in five appearances this season – headed in a corner for the only goal in Atletico’s 1-0 win at Almeria on Wednesday.

The result lifted defending champions Atletico to third in the table, two points behind both Sevilla and leaders Barcelona.

Atleti’s last three goals have come from set pieces – Miranda and Diego Godin both scored from them in the club’s 2-2 home draw against Celta Vigo last week – and Diego Simeone’s side are not likely to stop.

The aerial presence of Miranda, Godin, Raul Garcia and Mario Mandzukic will put fear into any defence, particularly with Koke and Gabi providing them from dead-ball situations.

And Miranda said Sevilla should be ready to be tested in the air.

“We practice it [set pieces] a lot and have a great passer like Koke,” Miranda told the club’s official website.

“And we have great finishers like Raul, Godin and even myself.

“We will continue to work and train [on them] because a set piece can decide a match.”

Recent history is on Atletico’s side also.

The capital club are unbeaten in their last nine clashes against Sevilla, a run dating back to October 2010.

Atletico won last season’s contest in Seville 3-1, with the return clash a 1-1 draw after Ivan Rakitic – now at Barcelona – levelled for the visitors.

Mandzukic could return from a broken nose in this contest, while Cristian Rodriguez (calf) may be in contention as Simeone continues to serve a touchline ban.

Sevilla have made a blistering start to the season and are just goal difference behind Barca after four successive wins.

The departures of Rakitic, Alberto Moreno and Federico Fazio were expected to significantly hurt Unai Emery’s side but they appear to be coping well.

Colombia forward Carlos Bacca has already scored four goals in the league while Barcelona loanee Gerard Deulofeu – scorer in the club’s 1-0 win over Real Sociedad – has started well.

And although they have not won a league match at Atletico since 2008, the visitors are sure to be full of confidence.