Prediction: Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: 888sport

Atletico Madrid and Sevilla will meet in a thrilling encounter this Sunday, although only one side has a lot to play for here. Atletico Madrid already secured second place in the standings, while Sevilla currently sit in sixth place. Los Nervionenses have 55 points, and remain alive on the race for a Champions League spot. For that to happen, though, they must win here and wait for other results to go their way. Kick-off for this match is scheduled at 17:30 BST.

Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone’s men don’t have anything to play for in this match. Los Colchoneros have already fixed their status in second place of the standings, and they’re coming off a 3-0 away defeat at Espanyol the last time out. But prior to that defeat, Simeone’s men were riding a four-game winning streak. Their best results have come at home, though. Los Colchoneros own a W15, D2, L1 mark at home, and they’ve been the best side in the league at home by a wide margin. They’ve been even better than Barcelona and are also currently riding a five-game winning streak in front of their own crowd. The balance on attack (31 goals scored) and defence (nine goals conceded) is also worth highlighting – Atletico own the third-best attack in the competition at home, while owning the best defence by a wide margin. Can they extend that run to clinch another win in their final home match of the season?

Team News

Atletico Madrid could have up to six players unavailable here. Diego Costa (red card) and Borja Garces (knee) have already been ruled out.

Four others are questionable. The list includes Jose Gimenez (toe), Lucas Hernandez (knee), Nikola Kalinic (illness) and Stefan Savic (muscle).

Sevilla

Atletico Madrid might not have much to play here, but that situation is extremely different when it comes to Sevilla. Los Nervionenses currently sit in sixth place, and they’ve already locked down a UEFA Europa League berth. But they still have a realistic chance to earn a UEFA Champions League berth – but it doesn’t depend on them. Sevilla have 55 points and are tied with Valencia, and are three points behind fourth-placed Getafe. Los Azulones currently sit in the final spot for the Champions League, but the visitors here still own a good chance to earn a Top 4 spot. One thing to note here is Sevilla’s current form, though. Joaquin Caparros’ men are currently riding a two-game losing streak, and have dropped three of their last four league matches (W1, L3). Can they turn things around and keep their Champions League chances alive?

Team News

Ever Banega won’t play in this match due to a suspension.

Four others are doubtful. Daniel Carrico (thigh), Lucho Garcia (illness), Andre Silva (tendon) and Maximilian Wöber (knee).

Key Factors to Consider

• Atletico Madrid own the best form of these two sides. They’re riding a W4, L1 mark in their last five matches, while Sevilla have gone W2, L3 over that same span.
• Los Colchoneros have gone undefeated in their last four La Liga matches against Sevilla (W3, D1).
• Five of the last six H2H matches in all competitions have seen both sides scoring.
• Three of the last four H2H encounters – all competitions – have also featured over 2.5 goals scored.

Conclusion

These two sides are evenly matched and there’s not much separating them. Sevilla look like the side that must fight the most in order to get the three points, but Atletico have the home form on their favour. With that in mind, I believe this match will end with both sides scoring.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: 888sport