Atletico Madrid aims to narrow the 11-point gap with Barcelona as they take on Deportivo Alaves, who are currently in 16th place, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 18th January.
- Kick-off: 3:15pm BST.
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid.
Atletico Madrid team news
Atletico will be without Clément Lenglet due to a knee injury. Nicolás González might return later this month from a thigh issue, but his status is uncertain.
Manager Simeone is likely to depend on Julián Álvarez for offensive strength, even as he hasn’t scored in the league since November. Álvarez leads Atletico with seven goals this season. Alexander Sørloth, with five goals in 18 league matches, will also be a key player.
Deportivo Alaves team news
Alaves will miss Facundo Garces due to suspension, while Lucas Boye, Aitor Manas, and Youssef Enriquez are dealing with injuries.
Manager Eduardo Coudet, who took over in December after Luis García Plaza was let go, will count on Carlos Vicente, who has scored four league goals and recently netted an impressive one in the Copa del Rey against Rayo Vallecano.
Goalkeeper and captain Antonio Sivera will need to defend against Atletico’s attack, having achieved three clean sheets this season despite a high number of shots faced.
Form
Atletico Madrid
Atletico recently secured a 1-0 win in the Copa del Rey against Deportivo La Coruna, with a free-kick by Griezmann marking the win.
In La Liga, Atletico has claimed three victories in their last five games, placing them fourth with 38 points from 19 matches, though they are 11 points behind Barcelona after a tough first half of the season.
Deportivo Alaves
Alaves is in a critical battle to avoid relegation, currently in 16th place with 19 points from 19 matches, just two points above the danger zone.
Under Coudet’s management since December, Alaves has shown some promise in the Copa del Rey, managing a win against Rayo Vallecano, yet their league form remains concerning.
Predicted lineups
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Hancko, Pubill, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Baena; Sorloth, Alvarez.
Deportivo Alaves: Sivera; Jonny, Tenaglia, Pacheco, Parada; Ibanez, Blanco; Vicente, Suarez, Alena; Martinez.
How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves?
Fans in the UK can watch on Premier Sports.
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