Prediction: Atletico Madrid vs Real Zaragoza

September 25th 2010

Having picked up just one point from games against Barcelona and Valencia, los Colchoneros desperately need a win to get back on the right track and there is no doubt they will attack Zaragoza from the off. Los Blanquillos sit rock bottom after the home draw with Hercules and they don’t have much to hope for before the trip to Vicente Calderon.

Atletico Madrid are slowly becoming one of the top sides in Spain and they finally look capable of matching the big guns in La Liga. The Super Cup triumph over Inter was just the boost they needed for the bright league start that saw them win their first two games before losing to Barcelona and sharing spoils with Valencia. Quique Sanchez Flores’ men played pretty well in both derby games and they will certainly have something to build on when they host struggling Zaragoza. It is evident Sanchez Flores have finally found balance in the side that allows the team to take full advantage of their attacking potential without conceding too many goals, although impressive David De Gea is one of those making that possible. The boss will have Tiago back to the side, while Kun Aguero could also play some part.

After barely escaping the drop last term, the club should have reinforced the squad in order to escape the similar destiny this season, but they instead allowed several key players to leave, while bringing mostly unproven players. That resulted in very poor performances in the opening games, with Zaragoza picking up just two points from games against Deportivo, Malaga, Santander and Hercules. Seeing they are yet to play the top table teams, Zaragoza could have a difficult time leaving the bottom of the standings. Jose Aurelio Gay’s side are hardly the best travelers in Spain, so everything suggests they are in for a real beating at Calderon. Victor Laguardia, Ikechukwu Uche and Jorge Lopez remain sidelined, which only adds to the worries.

Conclusion

Judging by their promising start to the season, Atletico looks like genuine top 4 contenders and they clearly should have no problems against a side like Zaragoza. Los Colchoneros are full of confidence at the moment and home win here looks like one of the best soccer betting picks in La Liga this weekend.

Verdict: Home win Atletico Madrid (1)

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: William Hill