Atletico Madrid is gearing up to rectify their recent setback as they face bottom-placed Almeria at Wanda Metropolitano this Sunday. Diego Simeone’s side, currently positioned fourth in La Liga, suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Barcelona last weekend, while Almeria managed a goalless draw against Real Betis in their previous league encounter.
Recent Form and Expectations
Atletico, off their best form against Barcelona, will aim to bounce back against the struggling Almeria. Despite the setback, Atletico boasts an impressive 16-game winning streak at home in La Liga, underscoring the challenging task awaiting the visitors.
Currently with 31 points from 14 games, Atletico sits in fourth place, trailing Barcelona by three points and leaders Real Madrid by seven, with a game in hand against both.
Almeria’s Struggle and Recent Performance
On the other hand, Almeria finds themselves in dire straits with zero wins, four draws, and 11 defeats, rooted to the bottom of the table with just four points. The team, having narrowly escaped relegation last season, faces an uphill battle to climb out of the bottom three.
⚽✈️🔜 #AtletiAlmería pic.twitter.com/Y1kJk6tZJG
— UD Almería (@UDAlmeria_Eng) December 8, 2023
Despite a recent draw against Real Betis, Almeria’s overall away form has been dismal, losing six of their seven away league matches this season.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Atletico Madrid will miss the services of Pablo Barrios, Thomas Lemar, and Vitolo due to injuries. However, they remain in strong shape for the upcoming match. Diego Simeone is likely to make changes to the lineup that faced Barcelona, with Samuel Lino and Cesar Azpilicueta potentially featuring in defensive positions.
Meanwhile, Almeria, with five players sidelined due to injuries, will aim to replicate the performance that secured them a draw against Real Betis last weekend.
Predicted Lineups
- Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Molina, Azpilicueta, Witsel, Hermoso, Lino; Llorente, Koke, De Paul; Griezmann, Morata
- Almeria: Maximiano; Pozo, Montes, Gonzalez, Akieme; Robertone, Melero; Baptistao, Arribas, Embarba; Ramazani
Match Prediction and Playing Tips
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 3-1 Almeria
- Tip 1: Result – Atletico Madrid to win
- Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
- Tip 3: Atletico Madrid to score first – Yes
- Tip 4: Antoine Griezmann to score – Yes
Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Atletico Madrid has won eight out of the last 16 matches against Almeria.
- After a recent struggle, Atletico has won four of their last six La Liga encounters with Almeria.
- Almeria is winless in their last seven away matches against Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
- Atletico has scored in each of their seven home matches against Almeria in La Liga, totaling 21 goals.
Key Player to Watch
Alvaro Morata: After a subdued performance against Barcelona, Morata aims to regain his scoring touch. With an impressive start to the season, tallying 12 goals and three assists in 18 outings, Morata will be crucial for Atletico’s attack.
