Prediction: Cadiz vs Atletico Madrid

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 14/19

Bookmaker: BetUS

Atletico Madrid will aim to solidify their hold on a top-four spot in the La Liga standings when they travel to face relegation-threatened Cadiz at the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla on Saturday afternoon.

Diego Simeone’s team currently occupy fourth place in the league table, boasting a five-point lead over fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao. Meanwhile, Cadiz find themselves in 18th position, trailing 17th-placed Celta Vigo by five points in the relegation battle.

Cadiz

Cadiz remain deeply entrenched in the battle for survival in La Liga, with every point crucial in their fight to avoid relegation. Despite their struggles this season, the team has managed to accumulate 19 points from two wins, 13 draws, and 12 defeats in 27 matches, placing them in 18th position, five points adrift of safety.

Under the guidance of Mauricio Pellegrino, Cadiz have obviously endured a challenging campaign, with their last league victory dating back to September. However, they have shown resilience at home, earning 13 of their 19 points at their home ground and suffering just four losses in front of their own supporters so far this season.

In their most recent league outing, Cadiz secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano, salvaging a point with a late equalizer after initially trailing. Despite their struggles, Pellegrino’s side will draw inspiration from their previous victory over Atletico Madrid in the corresponding fixture last season, although Simeone’s men emerged victorious in their most recent encounter earlier in the campaign at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Team News

Cadiz will face some challenges in team selection due to injuries, with four players—Fali, Fede San Emeterio, Luis Hernandez, and Roger Marti—unavailable for the upcoming match. Additionally, Joseba Zaldua and Jose Mari will undergo late fitness tests to determine their availability.

These absences aside, there are no new injury or suspension concerns for the hosts following their previous match against Rayo Vallecano. Pellegrino may consider making one change to the starting lineup, with Sergi Guardiola potentially being introduced in the attacking third to bolster the team’s offensive options.

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid faced disappointment in the Copa del Rey, losing 4-0 on aggregate to Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, and they also trail Inter Milan 1-0 in their last-16 Champions League clash ahead of the second leg next week.

However, they bounced back impressively in the league last weekend, securing a 2-1 victory over Real Betis at the Wanda Metropolitano. This win propelled them to 55 points from 27 La Liga matches this season.

Currently fourth in the table, Atletico hold a five-point lead over fifth-placed Athletic, but they are within striking distance of third-placed Barcelona by just three points and second-placed Girona by four.

While Atletico boast the best home record in La Liga this season, their away form has been less consistent, earning only 15 points from 13 matches with just four wins. Moreover, all six of their league defeats this season occurred on their travels.

Team News

Atletico Madrid will be without Antoine Griezmann, Jose Gimenez, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Thomas Lemar due to injury concerns, while Pablo Barrios will undergo a late fitness test for a muscular issue.

In response to these absences, head coach Simeone may consider making two changes to the starting lineup from the previous match against Real Betis. Saul Niguez could step in to replace Barrios, while Angel Correa, who was on the bench in the previous game, might be included in the attacking lineup alongside Alvaro Morata, potentially resulting in Memphis Depay being relegated to the bench.

Conclusion

Despite Atletico Madrid’s underwhelming away form this season, they will be confident of securing a victory against relegation-threatened Cadiz on Saturday. Although Cadiz have earned a league-high 13 draws this season, Simeone’s side will likely manage to secure all three points in this encounter.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 14/19

Bookmaker: BetUS