Prediction: Atletico Madrid vs Leganes

Verdict: Julian Alvarez to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Making their return from October’s international break on Sunday afternoon, Atletico Madrid will welcome local rivals Leganes to the Metropolitano.

Atletico Madrid

Starting with the hosts, while Atletico Madrid might not have suffered a single La Liga defeat since opening up the new campaign, Diego Simeone’s men are seeking a recent boost. Putting in a nightmare Champions League performance on October 2nd as they slumped to a 4-0 drumming away at Portuguese giants Benfica, the Spanish heavyweights have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Heading into October’s international break with a 1-1 stalemate away at Real Sociedad, Atletico will also know the importance of finding some crucial defensive resolve going forward. Recording just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous six showdowns across all formats, Simeone’s side will be desperate to avoid a potential banana skin when they return to the Metropolitano this weekend.

Team News

Atletico Madrid have already confirmed that the trio of Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand and former Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta on Sunday afternoon. However, returning from a long-term injury issue prior to October’s international break, ex-Monaco star Thomas Lemar could make a first appearance of the season.

Finding the net while away with Argentina earlier in the week and registering four goals for club and country since completing a blockbuster move from Manchester City, Julian Alvarez should lead Simeone’s charge this weekend. England international Conor Gallagher will start at the heart of Atletico’s midfield.

Leganes

As for the visitors, while Leganes might have stormed their way to a La Liga return last season, Borja Jimenez’s men appear to have a real uphill battle on their hands this time around. Forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Valencia prior to October’s international break, the Cucumbers are pencilled in as a leading relegation candidate this year. Mustering just a single victory from any of their first nine appearances against top-flight opposition, the former Cartagena boss will also have a real headache over his side’s extended issues in the final third. Including consecutive 2-0 losses against Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis last season, Leganes have recorded just a pair of La Liga goals from any of their previous seven outings. Likewise, failing to secure a single win against their local rivals since way back in 2002, Jimenez’s camp face another stern examination on Sunday afternoon.

Team News

Yet to make a single appearance this season and still sidelined with a long-term muscle injury, former Barcelona youngster Naim Garcia will not feature this weekend. However, despite dealing with a minor knock prior to October’s international break, Morocco international Munir El Haddadi will return to Jimenez’s squad.

Despite still waiting to open his La Liga account after completing a shock summer loan switch from Borussia Dortmund, one-time West Ham striker Sebastian Haller should keep his spot leading Leganes’ attack. Recently cementing his spot as Jimenez’s number one choice, veteran goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic will start between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Atletico Madrid and Leganes last met back in January 2020, Sunday’s opponents played out a 0-0 stalemate at the Metropolitano.
• Atletico are unbeaten in each of their previous nine consecutive showdowns against their local rivals.
• Simeone’s side entered October’s intentional break by winning just one of their final five appearances across all competitions.
• Since completing a stunning summer switch from Premier League giants Manchester City, Julian Alvarez has recorded four goals for club and country.
• Each of the last four meetings between Atletico Madrid and Leganes have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Entering October’s international break with just a single victory from any of their final five appearances across all competition, Atletico Madrid know the importance of claiming a crucial boost this weekend. Despite their recent inconsistencies, Simeone’s men will be smelling a golden opportunity when their local rivals arrive at the Metropolitano on Sunday afternoon. Unbeaten in all of their last nine straight showdowns against Leganes, it is not a surprise that Atletico are installed as a landslide contender here.

Verdict: Julian Alvarez to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Luckster