Atletico Madrid will be looking to maintain their recent resurgence when they host Osasuna in a Spanish La Liga fixture. The hosts are aiming to crank up the pressure on the frontrunners, while the visitors are looking out of sorts lately.
Atletico Madrid endured a difficult start to the season, failing to win their opening three league matches. However, they appear to be returning to their best, having claimed three wins across all competitions before holding out for a 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo last time out in La Liga.
The Metropolitano Stadium remains a fortress for Atletico Madrid, who have won their last four home matches across all competitions. However, their trademark defensive solidity appears to be missing this season, with Diego Simeone's men failing to keep a clean sheet in four of their five matches so far.
Osasuna were victorious in their previous La Liga fixture, earning a 2-1 home win over Getafe. They fought back from a goal down, with Abel Bretones getting the equalizer just before the break, while Alejandro Catena grabbed an injury-time winner.
However, that was the first win in four league matches for Osasuna, who have been erratic this season. Alessio Lisci's men have also lost all four of their La Liga away matches this term.
How the bookies view it: Atletico backed to win
The bookies have installed Atletico Madrid as overwhelming favourites, with a home win priced at 1/3 by BoyleSports. A victory for Osasuna is valued at 7/1, while a draw is set at odds of 7/2.
Head to head: Atletico on top
Atletico Madrid have a 23-12 advantage, with five draws in the last 40 matches against Osasuna. The hosts claimed a 1-0 victory in last season’s clash at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Players to watch: Red Hot Alvarez
Julian Alvarez has been in red-hot form for Atletico Madrid this season, scoring seven goals across all competitions so far. The striker also scored the only goal in last season's home win over Osasuna and could be the one to watch (Julian Alvarez anytime goalscorer – offered at Evens with BoyleSports).
Osasuna can also hold their own going forward and will look to Ante Budimir, who has two La Liga goals this season. The forward was on target in the reverse fixture against Atletico Madrid last season and could be worth keeping an eye on (Ante Budimir anytime goalscorer – set at odds of 3/1).
Probable line-ups:
Defender Robin Le Normand is rated doubtful for this clash after picking up a knock on international duty. Clement Lenglet is also suspended after picking up a red card last time out, but Alvarez, Koke and Antoine Griezmann are all available to feature.
Aimer Oroz is the only major injury absentee for Osasuna, with the midfielder currently nursing a foot injury. Budimir should lead the line once again, while Catena is expected to continue in defence.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Llorente, Pubil, Hancko, Galan, Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Gonzalez, Griezmann, Alvarez.
Osasuna: Herrera, Boyomo, Catena, Cruz, Rosier, Moncayola, Torro, Gomez, Bretones, Budimir, Munoz.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in Atletico Madrid’s last three home matches across all competitions (BTTS YES – available at 23/20). All three fixtures have produced over 3.5 goals – set at odds of 21/10 by BoyleSports, who are offering 4/5 for over 2.5 goals.
Atletico Madrid have scored in both halves in their last three home matches (Atletico Madrid to score in both halves – offered at 5/4). With a home victory priced at minimal odds, a win and over 2.5 goals offers more value (Atletico Madrid win & over 2.5 goals – valued at 23/20).
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