Atletico Madrid are aiming to maintain their recent resurgence when they host Real Oviedo in a Spanish La Liga fixture on Saturday. The hosts have been imperious at home all season, while the visitors are struggling to cope with the difficulties of topflight football.
It has been mostly smooth sailing for Atletico Madrid lately, having won their last six matches in all competitions. They claimed a 1-0 victory over Girona in their previous La Liga fixture and are now just four points off the pace in the table.
Home form has also been pretty solid for Atletico Madrid, who have won their last eight matches in all competitions at the Wanda Metropolitano. Diego Simeone's men will head into Saturday's clash off the back of a 2-1 home victory over Inter Milan in a UEFA Champions League clash.
Meanwhile, Real Oviedo’s form this season has been in stark contrast to the hosts, as they have only picked up two wins from 12 matches. Luis Carrion's men currently sit bottom of the table, two points from safety and are in danger of being cut adrift.
Real Oviedo were held to a 0-0 home draw by Rayo Vallecano last time out, extending their winless run to six La Liga matches. They are also without a victory in five of their last six away matches in all competitions.
How the bookies view it: Atletico overwhelming favourites
Atletico Madrid are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies and priced at 2/9 by bet365 to claim the win. An unlikely victory for Real Oviedo is valued at 14/1 by Paddy Power, while a draw is set at odds of 5/1 by Betfred.
Head to head: Atletico on top
Atletico Madrid have a 10-3 advantage, with seven draws in the last 20 matches against Real Oviedo. The most recent meeting was a Copa Del Rey clash in 2023, with the hosts claiming a 2-0 away victory.
Players to watch: Alvarez back in the groove
Julian Alvarez opened the scoring in the win over Inter Milan and has now found the net seven times in La Liga this season. The striker will be the one to watch on Saturday (Julian Alvarez anytime goalscorer – offered at 4/5 by bet365).
Salomon Rondon often leads the line for Real Oviedo and could be worth keeping an eye on. The veteran striker will be keen to add to his two La Liga goals (Salomon Rondon anytime goalscorer – available at 6/1 on bet365).
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting Guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Probable line-ups:
Atletico Madrid are without Robin Le Normand, Marcos Llorente and goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who are all sidelined with injury. Juan Musso should feature between the sticks while Alexander Sorloth could earn a start after coming off the bench in midweek.
Real Oviedo also have some injury problems, with Ovie Ejaria and Alvaro Lemos currently sidelined, while Ilyas Chaira misses out through suspension. Rondon is likely to lead the line once again, while David Costas should continue at the back.
Atletico Madrid: Musso, Molina, Gimenez, Hancko, Ruggeri, Simeone Barrios, Cardoso, Koke, Alvarez, Baena.
Real Oviedo: Escandell, Vidal, Costas, Calvo, Lopez, Colombatto, Dendoncker, Vinas, Hassan, Fores, Rondon.
Anything else catch the eye?
Atletico Madrid have scored in both halves in their last three matches (Atletico Madrid to score in both halves – priced at 19/20 by William Hill). They have also won by two or more goals in three of their last four home matches (Atletico Madrid -1 handicap – valued at 7/10 by William Hill).
The hosts have earned a win and over 2.5 goals in their last four home matches (Atletico Madrid win & over 2.5 goals – set at odds of 4/5 with Betfred).
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