Prediction: Atletico Madrid vs Alaves

Verdict: Atletico Madrid win to nil

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: Bet365

Hoping to continue on their eye-catching return from the enforced break, Atletico Madrid will face off against Alaves at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday night.

Atletico Madrid

Starting with the hosts, picking up a 1-0 win away at Levante in midweek and finding a route back into the top-four, the mood in Atletico Madrid’s camp should be at a high following their return from the enforced break. Along with knocking defending European champions Liverpool out of the Champions League in the most dramatic of fashion at Anfield back in March, Los Colchoneros have collected 10 points out of a possible 12 since the return to action. With their recent purple patch highlighted by what was a rampant 5-0 romp against Osasuna earlier in the month, Head Coach Diego Simeone will be most impressed by his side’s continued performances at the back. Recording yet another clean sheet at the Estadio Camilo Cano on Tuesday night, Atletico have recorded three La Liga clean sheets on the bounce and have conceded just a single strike since returning from the enforced break. Losing just a sole top-flight appearance at the Wanda Metropolitano since February 2019, Simeone’s side will be looking to make another statement this weekend.

Team News

After sitting out at Levante in midweek, Atletico look set to welcome back the likes of Angel Correa, Jose Gimenez, Joao Felix, Alvaro Morata and Kieran Trippier this weekend.

Alaves

As for the visitors, despite shocking many and picking up a 2-0 win against European contenders Real Sociedad earlier in the month, that victory at the Mendizorrotza appeared to be just a minor bounce for Asier Garitano’s side. Putting in another sluggish display on home soil in midweek and hit with a 1-0 defeat at home against Osasuna, they appear to still be reeling from what was a season-worst display last weekend. Putting in comical display in an abysmal 6-0 drumming against relegation scrappers Celta Vigo, El Glorioso have lost three of their four La Liga matchups since returning from the enforced break. Almost stuck in top-flight limbo, a huge part of Alaves’ continued issues this season has been their rather glaring problems on the road. Including that dreadful defeat away at Celta Vigo last weekend, Saturday’s guests have failed to win any of their last five away fixtures and have managed to pick up just nine points on the road out of a possible 45 this season, the second-worst away record of any side in Spain’s top-flight.

Team News

After having to sit out against Osasuna in midweek after picking up a one-match suspension, Alaves can welcome back full-back Martin Aguirregabiria this weekend.

However, Saturday’s guests will be unable to call upon former Barcelona midfielder Aleix Vidal who is suffering with a knock.

Key Factors to Consider

• The last time the two sides faced off in Madrid, Saturday’s hosts picked up a 3-0 win.
• Atletico Madrid have collected 10 points out of a possible 12 since returning from the break and have conceded just a single La Liga strike.
• Alaves have lost three of their last four La Liga matchups, drawing a blank in each of those three defeats.
• El Glorioso have collected just nine points on the road out of a possible 45 this season, the second-worst away record in the division.
• Atletico Madrid have conceded just a single goal in any of their last six meetings against Alaves.

Conclusion

Really laying down a marker since returning from the break, Atletico Madrid should see Saturday as a real chance to extend their buffer in the Champions League spots. Conceding just a single goal in any of their four La Liga contests since making a return to action, Diego Simeone’s side should also be boosted by what is a dominant record against a struggling Alaves. Completely blown away in what was a 6-0 drumming against relegation scrappers Celta Vigo last weekend, Saturday’s guests have managed to record just a single strike in any of their last six meetings against the Spanish giants.

Verdict: Atletico Madrid win to nil

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: Bet365