Prediction: Atletico Madrid win
Best Odds: 11/20
Bookmaker: Betfair
As English football prepares for a brief detour in the name of the FA Cup third round, the Spanish La Liga continues to move through its fixture list in what is rapidly turning out to be one of the most exciting top flight campaigns in recent history over in Spain. Today, we’re going to take a look at what can easily be described as one of the most intriguing games of the season so far – title race leaders Atletico Madrid and the historic Athletic Bilbao.
Atletico Madrid
Barcelona and Real Madrid were always going to have their fair share of troubles this season, but few could’ve imagined Atletico Madrid would take advantage quite as effectively as they have. It’s going to be tough for them to maintain that pace between now and the end of the campaign but they’ve got the squad to do it, and we think they’ve got the belief, too. It’s all about taking it one game at a time – and they’re more than capable of staying calm in the face of pressure.
Team News
Savic is set to return after his suspension and will likely replace Gimenez in the back three who is carrying a slight knock. Trippier is available to feature after his betting ban was suspended with Felix and Herrera also being fitness doubts.
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao have always worked alongside a certain set of principles and while some believe that’s held them back over the years, it has positioned them as one of the most respected clubs in Spanish football. That trend looks set to continue long into the future but if they want to find consistent success, they need to start thinking differently. Unfortunately, having played a game more than most teams around them, they have to take advantage of every opportunity they get in the league.
Team News
The following players have been ruled out through injury for the visitors’ trip to Madrid: Alvarez, Nolaskoain, Yuri and Lopez.
Factors to Consider
- Atletico are in 1st place with 38 points whereas Bilbao are in 9th place with 21 points – having played three games more.
- Atletico have won five and lost one of their last six games.
- Bilbao have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
- Atletico have scored 11 goals and conceded three in their last six games.
- Bilbao have scored seven goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
Conclusion
We think Bilbao are going to give as good as they get in what should be a really tactical affair, but there’s a reason why Atletico Madrid have only lost one game in the league this season. They seem to have found the sort of structure that will make then incredibly tough to beat between now and the end of the campaign, and courtesy of their games in hand, we don’t actually think they’re playing with as much pressure as you might expect. Therefore, we’re predicting them to edge out a 1-0 win.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid win
Best Odds: 11/20
Bookmaker: Betfair
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