Atletico Madrid continue their pursuit of the frontrunners as they host Valencia in a Spanish La Liga fixture on Saturday. The hosts have been almost unstoppable at home, while the visitors are unconvincing on their travels.
Atletico Madrid have lost their last two La Liga matches, falling 3-1 at Barcelona before a 1-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao in their previous fixture. They made a return to winning ways in midweek, claiming a 3-2 victory at PSV Eindhoven in a UEFA Champions League fixture.
The good news for Atletico Madrid is that they are back at the fortress of the Metropolitano Stadium after being on the road in their last three matches. Diego Simeone's men are unbeaten in front of their fans this season, winning their last six home matches across all competitions.
Valencia are showing signs of improvement lately and are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions. They were held to a 1-1 home draw by Sevilla last time out in La Liga, with Hugo Duro netting an injury-time equaliser.
One issue that persists for Valencia is their poor form on their travels, having failed to earn an away win in the league this season. Some of their heaviest defeats have come on the road, like the 6-0 thrashing at Barcelona and the 4-0 loss at Real Madrid.
How the bookies view it: Atletico overwhelming favourites
Atletico Madrid have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 3/10 by William Hill to claim the win. A victory for Valencia is valued at 10/1 by Betfred, while bet365 is offering odds of 4/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Atletico often superior
Atletico Madrid have a 24-12 advantage, with 16 draws in the last 52 matches against Valencia. The hosts did the double last season, with both matches ending in 3-0 wins.
Players to watch: Alvarez back in the groove
Julian Alvarez was on target at PSV and could be the one to watch for Atletico Madrid. The striker has seven La Liga goals this season and will be keen to increase his tally (Julian Alvarez anytime goalscorer – priced at 5/6 by bet365).
Hugo Duro continues to impress for Valencia, with the effort against Sevilla his fifth La Liga goal of the season. The striker could be worth keeping an eye on (Hugo Duro anytime goalscorer – valued at 10/3 with Betfred).
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Probable line-ups:
Clement Lenglet and Marcos Llorente remain sidelined for Atletico Madrid, while Alex Baena is also nursing an injury. Alvarez and Sorloth should continue in attack, while David Hancko is set to start at the back.
Valencia have no major injuries heading into this clash but Cesar Tarrega is suspended after picking up a red card last time out. Duro should retain his place in attack alongside Andre Almeida, while Jose Copete is set to continue at the back.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Molina, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri, Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Gonzalez, Sorloth, Alvarez.
Valencia: Agirrezabala, Correia, Comert, Copete, Gaya, Rioja Pepelu, Guerra, Danjuma, Almeida, Duro.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in three of Atletico Madrid's last four home matches (BTTS YES – offered at 5/4 by Ladbrokes). Four of their last five home matches have also produced over 2.5 goals – set at odds of 8/11 by William Hill.
Atletico Madrid have led at the break in three of their last four home matches (Atletico Madrid halftime win – available at 3/4 in William Hill). The hosts have also earned a win and over 2.5 goals in four of their last five home matches (Atletico Madrid win & over 2.5 goals – valued at 10/11 by Paddy Power).
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