Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
Two of Spain’s representatives in the UEFA Champions League this season will collide in a thrilling La Liga match this season. Atletico Madrid, who are looking to move into the top of the standings, will host Valencia at Wanda Metropolitano. Los Che have 12 points, and a win would potentially place them in the Top 4. Kick-off for this match is slated at 15:00 hrs BST.
Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone’s men have lost just once in the 2019/20 La Liga season, and they remain near the top of the standings after the first eight league matches of the campaign. However, scoring has been a major problem for them. Los Colchoneros are coming off three straight scoreless draws in the league level, but if we count all competitions, then they have kept a clean sheet in each of their last five outings. The defence has been their calling card once again, as Atletico have only conceded four goals in eight league matches. They rank as the top defensive unit in the competition, but at the same time, they have scored seven goals. Only five teams have scored fewer times, and all of them sit 15th or below in the current league standings. Atletico must improve on the attacking end if they want to make a consistent push towards the top of the standings.
Team News
Stefan Savic (muscle) and Sime Vrsaljko (knee) have both been ruled out for this match.
Diego Costa (stomach disorder) and Vitolo (thigh) are doubtful. Both will require to undergo a fitness test before the match to determine his availability.
Valencia
On the other hand, Valencia have been extremely consistent this season, as shown by their current W3, D3, L2 mark thus far. This has them near the middle of the standings, but there are some encouraging signs going forward for them. They have won their last two league matches, and are riding a four-game undefeated streak (W2, D2). Plus, Los Che have already scored 12 goals so their attacking power can’t be denied. The problem, however, is that they have also conceded 12 goals so they must tighten things at the back considering Atletico’s scoring potential. Unfortunately, Valencia have conceded six goals in only three away matches this season. Will they be up to the standards required to secure a positive result in a tough venue such as the Wanda Metropolitano?
Team News
Jose Gaya (muscle) has been ruled out for this match. However, he might not be Valencia’s lone absentee ahead of this contest.
Kevin Gameiro (groin), Geoffrey Kondogbia (groin), Cristiano Piccini (knee) and Carlos Soler (ankle) are all doubtful. It’s unclear whether any of these four players will end up being available.
Key Factors to Consider
- Both teams have scored in just two of the last six LaLiga matches between them.
- Atlético Madrid are unbeaten in their previous nine domestic home matches against Valencia (W6, D3).
- Valencia have led at half-time in all three of their LaLiga victories this season.
- Highlighting their scoring power, Valencia have also scored in six consecutive Liga matches.
- Meanwhile, Atletico have been quite poor on the attacking end with only seven Liga goals this term.
Conclusion
Only two of the last five league meetings between these two sides have featured three or more goals. However, the last two have seen both teams scoring.
Expect that outcome to be repeated once again considering both sides are in dire need of a win.
Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
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