Match preview for Atletico Madrid v Actual Madrid
The Madrid derby returns on Saturday night as Atletico Madrid welcome league leaders Actual Madrid to the Metropolitano.
Los Blancos arrive seeking to make it seven wins from seven in La Liga this season, having already stormed clear on the summit with 18 factors.
Atletico, in the meantime, sit in mid-table after an inconsistent opening, gathering simply 9 factors from their first six matches.
Atletico edged a dramatic midweek conflict with Rayo Vallecano, turning a 2-1 deficit right into a 3-2 victory due to a late Julian Alvarez hat-trick.
That consequence lifted Diego Simeone’s facet to ninth within the standings however they continue to be 9 factors behind their metropolis rivals.
Defensive solidity – often the bedrock of Simeone’s success – has been missing this season. Atleti have conceded seven targets in six league video games, and three extra of their Champions League defeat to Liverpool, leaving questions on their resilience forward of dealing with Actual’s electrical assault led by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
For Actual Madrid, all the pieces has clicked up to now beneath Xabi Alonso. They’ve swept apart Osasuna, Oviedo, Mallorca, Actual Sociedad, Espanyol and Levante within the league, whereas additionally successful their Champions League opener in opposition to Marseille.
Talking forward of the sport, he stated: “It’s an important environment; derbies are particular. Even within the days main as much as the match, you possibly can really feel it within the metropolis and the neighborhood.
“When you understand what’s at stake, it motivates you much more; you could have the need to do nicely. We’re anticipating a robust environment.
“It’s totally different going to the Metropolitano with Actual Madrid. Due to the rivalry. It’s stunning, and I hope we are able to take pleasure in it tomorrow as nicely.
“The standings don’t imply a lot, however the recreation might be powerful. We’ll need to work onerous.”
Workforce information for Atletico Madrid v Actual Madrid
Atletico welcomed Alex Baena again to the squad in midweek following surgical procedure and a muscle downside, although he isn’t anticipated to start out.
Accidents proceed to rule out Jose Gimenez, Johnny Cardoso and Thiago Almada. Alexander Sorloth is accessible once more after suspension and will companion Alvarez in assault.
Conor Gallagher may get the nod out huge to carry further vitality.
For Actual Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rudiger stay sidelined. Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Aurelien Tchouameni are in line to return to the XI.
Jude Bellingham, not too long ago again from shoulder surgical procedure, could also be eased in from the bench as soon as extra, leaving Arda Guler to maintain his place behind Mbappe.
Vinicius Junior and teen Franco Mastantuono are additionally anticipated to start out in assault.
Anticipated line-ups for Atletico Madrid v Actual Madrid
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Hancko; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Gallagher; Alvarez, Sorloth
Actual Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni; Mastantuono, Guler, Vinicius; Mbappe
Learn how to watch Atletico Madrid v Actual Madrid: TV channel, on-line stream
Atletico Madrid v Actual Madrid will kick-off at 3:15pm on Saturday, with the match accessible to look at on Premier Sports activities of LaLiga TV.
The stats for Atletico Madrid v Actual Madrid
- Atletico are unbeaten of their final 5 La Liga derbies in opposition to Actual (W1 D4)
- The final 3 league conferences have all completed 1-1
- Actual Madrid have solely crushed Atletico twice away in La Liga since 2016
- Atletico have conceded 7 targets of their opening 6 league matches this season
- Actual Madrid have began with 6 straight La Liga wins, scoring 16 targets and conceding simply 4
- Kylian Mbappe has scored 9 targets in 7 appearances throughout all competitions this season
Prediction
Atletico have made life tough for Actual in latest derbies, and one other tight affair is anticipated. Nevertheless, Los Blancos’ high quality may given them the sting.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Actual Madrid
