Verdict: Julian Alvarez over 1.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention back to La Liga action on Saturday lunchtime, Atletico Madrid will welcome Valencia to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid
Starting with the hosts, claiming a welcomed Champions League boost earlier in the week as they eventually clinched a pulsating 3-2 victory away at Dutch outfit PSV, Diego Simeone’s men will be excited to make a return to the Spanish capital here. Although Los Rojiblancos might have found themselves at the heart of a La Liga title scrap on either side of November’s international break, they did get December underway in the midst of a domestic blip. Including a 3-1 defeat against reigning Spanish champions Barcelona, Atletico have suffered consecutive La Liga losses for the first time this season. However, although their title dreams might have taken a major dent over the past fortnight, Simeone’s side have continued to gain a fearsome reputation for their success on home soil. In fact, Saturday’s hosts have won all of their last 10 consecutive showdowns at the Metropolitano – a purple patch that stems all the way back to the opening weekend.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Dealing with a recent muscle issue over the past fortnight, Atletico Madrid are once again sweating over the fitness of Uruguayan defender Jose Maria Gimenez. However, despite making only a cameo appearance off the bench in midweek, French superstar Antoine Griezmann could be handed a full recall.
Registering a fourth Champions League strike away at PSV in midweek, former Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez will play a leading role in the final third. Returning from a minor knock last month, Jan Oblak will start between the sticks on Saturday lunchtime.
Valencia
As for the visitors, while Carlos Corberan might have made an immediate impact after arriving at the Mestalla 12 months ago, Los Ches have drastically failed to find a similar level this time around. Missing out on what they had billed as a potential opportunity last time out as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against Sevilla, the former West Brom boss certainly has some mounting pressure on his shoulders. Once again looking over their shoulder at the drop zone and opening Saturday’s trip to the capital holding just a three-point buffer over the relegation spots, Valencia have remarkably put just a single victory on the board from any of their previous 11 consecutive La Liga appearances – a rut that stems all the way back to September 20th. With a growing feeling of frustration in their camp, Corberan’s side look set for another stern examination on Saturday lunchtime.
Valencia Team News
Not featuring across any competition since the start of October, Valencia will travel to Madrid this weekend without one-time Lyon defender Mouctar Diakhaby here. However, aside from the Guinea international, Los Ches have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns.
Bagging a last-gasp equaliser against Sevilla last week, former Real Madrid youngster Hugo Duro will keep his spot leading the line. Likewise, completing a permanent switch from Villarreal over the summer, Arnaut Danjuma will also feature in the final third.
Atletico Madrid vs Valencia Key Factors to Consider
- When Atletico Madrid and Valencia last met for a La Liga showdown back on February 22nd, Simeone’s men stormed their way to a 3-0 victory at the Mestalla.
- In fact, along with winning each of their last three meetings by an aggregate score of 8-0, Atletico have also won six of their previous seven battles against Valencia.
- Atletico Madrid have won all of their last 10 consecutive showdowns in the Spanish capital.
- Valencia have remarkably claimed just a single La Liga victory from any of their previous 11 attempts.
- Los Ches have not recorded a single victory away at Atletico since way back in September 2006.
Conclusion
Storming their way to a 3-0 romp when they travelled to the Mestalla back in February, Atletico Madrid will be dreaming of a repeat display here. Continuing to gain a reputation for their dominance on home soil, Simeone’s side have won all of their previous 10 consecutive showdowns in the Spanish capital and they should be smelling the chance to make another statement here. Meeting a Valencia squad who find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap, it should also be noted that Los Ches have failed to secure a win away at Atletico since way back in 2006.
Verdict: Julian Alvarez over 1.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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