Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla
, KO: 15:15 , Metropolitano Stadium
Atletico Madrid will look to maintain their recent resurgence when they host Sevilla in a Spanish La Liga fixture on Saturday. The hosts have been particularly solid at home lately, while the visitors are a little inconsistent at the moment.
Atletico Madrid claimed a 2-0 victory at Real Betis in their previous La Liga fixture, with first-half goals from Giuliano Simeone and Alex Baena earning them the win. That result means Diego Simeone's men are now unbeaten in their last five league matches, earning four wins on this run.
The Metropolitano Stadium remains a fortress for Atletico Madrid, who have not lost in front of their fans all season. Los Blancos have won their last five home matches across all competitions.
Sevilla are also coming off a victory as they triumphed 4-1 at lower league side Toledo in a midweek Copa Del Rey clash. They were untroubled throughout the contest, with Adnan Januzaj netting a brace.
Manager Matias Almeyda will be keen to use that result as a spark to get things back on track, as Sevilla have lost their last two La Liga matches. Los Che suffered a 2-1 defeat at Real Sociedad in their previous fixture in the league.
How the bookies view it: Atletico overwhelming favourites
Atletico Madrid have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies, with a home win priced at 2/10 by BOYLE Sports. A victory for Sevilla is valued at 7/1, while a draw is set at odds of 4/1.
Head to head: Atletico on top
Atletico Madrid have a 22-17 advantage, with 14 draws in the last 53 matches against Sevilla. The hosts did the double last season, picking up a 4-3 home victory before earning a 2-1 away win in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Eyes on Alvarez
Julian Alvarez is the biggest attacking threat for Atletico Madrid, having scored six La Liga goals this season. The striker scored in the last meeting with Sevilla and will be the one to watch (Julian Alvarez anytime goalscorer – priced at 5/6 with BoyleSports.
Sevilla have also shown some attacking quality this season and will look to Isaac Romero to provide the spark in attack. The forward has three La Liga goals this term, and we could be worth keeping an eye on (Isaac Romero anytime goalscorer – valued at odds of 4/1).
Probable line-ups:
Atletico Madrid have no major injuries or suspensions and are likely to stick with much of the team that won at Real Betis. Baena could continue in attack after scoring his first goal last week, while Pablo Barrios is set to feature in midfield.
Sevilla have injury problems with Lucien Agoume, Cesar Azpilicueta, Joan Jordan and Tanguy Nianzou all sidelined. Romero could lead the line once again, while Fabio Cardoso is set to start at the back.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Llorente, Le Normand, Gimenez, Hancko, Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Gonzalez, Baena, Alvarez.
Sevilla: Vlachodimos, Carmona, Cardoso, Marcao, Suazo, Sow, Gudelj, Januzaj, Vargas, Sanchez, Romero.
Anything else catch the eye?
Atletico Madrid have led at the break in three of their last four La Liga matches (Atletico Madrid halftime win – set at odds of 4/5 with BOYLE Sports). Both teams have scored in the last two meetings (BTTS YES – offered at 10/11).
The hosts have earned a win and over 2.5 goals in the last two matches against Sevilla (Atletico Madrid win & over 2.5 goals – available at 10/11).
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