Prediction: Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: William Hill

Last year’s Champions League finalists Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid square off in El derbi madrileno on Saturday evening looking to improve their respective title hopes. But, with los Blancos trailing their bitter rivals six points in the La Liga standings, it is not difficult to guess which team will be under more pressure.

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid have been going strong under Diego Simeone, quickly developing into one of Europe’s best sides, but they were quite unfortunate not to add the Champions League title to their trophy cabinet, losing both times to bitter rivals Real Madrid in the final. Those defeats will serve as an extra incentive for los Colchoneros to give their best when they face los Blancos on Saturday evening, while they also need to make amends for some under-par results of late. While they impressed to win all four Champions League group games, climbing above Bayern Munich in the standings, Atletico Madrid suffered two defeats in last three La Liga fixtures, losing to both Sevilla and Real Sociedad on the road. The good news is that their home form has been impeccable, as the team have won 13 of last 14 competitive fixtures at Vicente Calderon. Los Colchoneros are also unbeaten in last five home games against Real Madrid (W3 D2), and they certainly need to continue the good run if they want to remain in the La Liga title chase. With most key men available, Atletico Madrid have rightly been made favourites to win.

Team News

Diego Simeone has received some very good news this week as key forward Antoine Griezmann was able to shake off a foot injury and he is expected to start.

Augusto Fernandez and Nicolas Gaitan continue to miss out, while Kevin Gameiro and Fernando Torres are vying for one place up front.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are enjoying one of the best starts to a league campaign in recent years as it’s been a while since they last led the title chase in the opening exchanges. Eleven games into the new campaign and los Blancos sit two points clear of Barcelona in the overall standings but the game at Vicente Calderon will be a good test of their title credentials. Real Madrid have been on top of their game either side of four straight stalemates, but with games against title rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona coming up, they will need to keep the rich vein of form. Numerous injury worries are creating serious problems ahead of the short trip to Vicente Calderon, meaning that Zinedine Zidane will not be able to field his strongest side. While the Frenchman has absent players in all areas of the team, attack is probably the biggest concern considering that neither Karim Benzema nor Alvaro Morata are in the best shape. This basically means that Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will need to step up the plate, but that is unlikely to be the problem for two of the world’s best footballers. Los Blancos head into the high-profile clash without losing a single away game in last 13 (W9 D4), and they definitely have reason for optimism in spite of the serious injury crisis.

Team News

With Alvaro Morata ruled out of the Atletico Madrid game, it remains to be seen whether Karim Benzema will be risked even though he is not fully fit.

The good news is that Sergio Ramos should be fit to play, but Toni Kroos and Casemiro are definitely out, while Pepe and Marco Asencio are rated doubtful.

Key Factors to Consider

• Atletico won three of last five home games vs Real (D2)
• Real eliminated Atletico from last three editions of the Champions League
• Just seven goals were scored in their last five meetings
• Atletico have won 13 of last 14 matches at Vicente Calderon
• Real Madrid are unbeaten in last 13 away fixtures (W9 D4)

Conclusion

There will be a lot at stake when Madrid rivals square off at Vicente Calderon and we expect to see another cagey affair that is unlikely to produce too many goals. A defeat could prove costly for both sides, and there is a good chance the match will end goalless.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: William Hill