Atletico Madrid are looking to maintain the pressure on the frontrunners when they travel to Girona for a Spanish La Liga fixture on Sunday.
The visitors are showing some good form at the moment, while the hosts have looked a bit erratic lately.
Girona are coming off a 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad in their previous La Liga fixture. That was a vital return to winning ways for Michel's side, who had been winless in their previous four matches in all competitions.
Despite that result, Girona remain in the bottom three and will be keen to climb out of the relegation zone. Their home form remains unconvincing, having picked up just two wins in their last eight La Liga matches in front of their fans.
Atletico Madrid are once again playing catch-up to the frontrunners as they sit fourth in the table, nine points behind leaders Barcelona. They have won their last three matches in all competitions and claimed a 2-1 home victory over Valencia last time out in La Liga.
Atletico Madrid have also done some good work on their travels, winning four of their last six away matches. Diego Simeone's men will head into this clash off the back of a 3-2 victory at Baleares in a midweek Copa Del Rey clash.
How the bookies view it: Atletico Madrid heavily fancied
The bookies have installed Atletico Madrid as overwhelming favourites, with a win valued at 7/10 on Ladbrokes. Girona are considered outsiders and are priced at 4/1 by Betfred for a home victory, while a draw is set at odds of 14/5 by Paddy Power.
Head to head: Atletico often superior
Atletico Madrid have a 6-1 advantage, with five draws in the last 12 matches against Girona. The visitors did the double last season, winning 3-0 at home before a 4-0 away victory.
Players to watch: Eyes on Sorloth
Alexander Sorloth has been among the goals for Atletico Madrid lately, scoring three times in the last five matches. The striker also grabbed four goals in the last meeting with Girona and will be the one to watch on Sunday (Alexander Sorloth anytime goalscorer – valued at 11/8 with Paddy Power).
With Atletico Madrid a bit unconvincing at the back lately, Girona will fancy their chances in attack. They will look to Vladyslav Vanat, who has three La Liga goals this season (Vladyslav Vanat anytime goalscorer – priced at 11/5 on bet365).
Probable line-ups:
Girona have injury problems and are likely to be without Cristhian Stuani, Abel Ruiz, and Donny van de Beek. Vitor Reis is set to continue at the back, while Vanat is set to lead the line once again.
Atletico Madrid will be without Alex Baena while Clement Lenglet and Marcos Llorente remain long-term injury absentees. Sorloth should return to the team after sitting out the Copa Del Rey, while David Hancko should continue at the back.
Girona: Gazzaniga, Martinez, Vitor Reis, Blind, Moreno, Witsel, Martin, Tsygankov, Roca, Gil, Vanat.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Molina, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri, Someone, Barrios, Koke, Gonzalez, Sorloth, Alvarez.
Anything else catch the eye?
Atletico Madrid have scored over 1.5 goals in the last four matches against Girona (Atletico Madrid over 1.5 goals – offered at 8/11 with William Hill). Three of the last four meetings have also produced over 2.5 goals – available at 4/5 on Betfred.
The visitors have also won by two or more goals in the last three meetings (Atletico Madrid -1 handicap – set at odds of 15/8 with Paddy Power).
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