Atletico Madrid will be eager to fortify their hold on a top-four place when they host Athletic Club, who continue to chase a European place.
Diego Simeone is looking to build momentum at the back of a narrow victory over Celta Vigo on the previous matchday. After a terrible 18 months for Atletico Madrid, the manager hopes he breathes new life and motivation into the team ahead of the clash with Athletic Club.
It was strange not to see Atletico Madrid involved in European football this week, which could also be taken as a positive by Simeone to fortify a position in the top four. They are certainly out of the title race. But their position in the fourth spot could yet come under danger with pressure from Real Betis and unlikely contenders Rayo Vallecano.
⚔️ #AtletiAthletic matches are always exciting. #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/L1g2RNJExe
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) February 17, 2023
The idea would be to get closer to third-placed Real Sociedad, who are four points ahead of the Rojiblancos. However, Simeone would like to see something better from his side, especially in the final third, as it took an 89th-minute winner from Memphis Depay to secure the win against Celta Vigo.
Meanwhile, Athletic Club are keen to get into a European place as they sit slightly outside in the seventh spot for now. Only a point separates them from Rayo Vallecano in sixth. Ernesto Valverde’s side comes into this clash with three wins in four, including their last two against Cadiz and Valencia.
Under Valverde, they have had a promising season and reached the last four of the Copa Del Dey. While the semifinals will pay out on March 1st against Osasuna, Athletic Club will focus their efforts on League matters with the clash against Atletico.
While they come into this game full of confidence, Valverde will want his side to improve their away record, which is not terrible in hindsight. They have managed three wins and as many draws in 10 games on the road. A good result at Atletico Madrid will boost their chances of a European finish and make them contenders for a top-four place.
Team News & Tactics
Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone will come into this clash with a full squad, with Stefan Savic the only absentee. The defender was sent off in the last game, which means he will be suspended. In his place, Jose Maria Gimenez could come in and take his place in a back three.
Next challenge: Atleti-Athletic! 👊 pic.twitter.com/xquyf3v4LZ
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 18, 2023
Mario Hermoso and Reinildo Mandava will take their places on either side of Gimenez in the backline. Nahuel Molina and Thomas Lemar will continue as wing-backs, with the latter getting the grips of this new role in the team.
Pablo Barrios will continue in the holding midfield role, meaning Koke could be on the bench for this clash. Marcos Llorente might come in in the Spaniard’s place, while Rodrigo De Paul takes up the other midfield position in the team.
Simeone may ponder involving Depay from the start of this game after the Dutchman scored the winner against Celta Vigo. Yet, there could be a bit of a pragmatic approach to making changes to the attack by the manager. Hence, the likelihood of Alvaro Morata continuing in the centre-forward role are high, with Antoine Griezmann alongside the Spaniard.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Oblak; Reinildo, Gimenez, Hermoso; Molina, Llorente, Barrios, De Paul, Lemar; Griezmann, Morata
Athletic Club
Ander Herrera and Inigo Martinez are the only absentees on the Athletic side, with the latter still short of match fitness despite returning to training this week. Valverde will also have Yuri Berchiche back in the squad after he served a suspension against Valencia.
☺️ It's great to see you back with the group, @InigoMartinez!
🔋 Keep going, step by step! #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/nSIXwbC6Nr
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) February 17, 2023
Inigo Lekue will retain his place at left back despite Berchiche’s availability. He could have Yeray Alvarez, Dani Vivian, and Oscar De Marcos for company in the backline.
Mikel Balenziaga and Mikel Vesga will hold the midfield together for Athletic, with Oihan Sancet taking up the advanced role ahead of the duo. Alex Berenguer and Nico Williams will finish the attacking unit, with Gorka Guruzeta leading the line for Valverde’s side.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Simon; Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Lekeu; Balenziaga, Vesga; Berenguer, Sancet, Williams; Guruzeta
Key Stats
- Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in six games in La Liga.
- There have been under 2.5 goals scored in eight of Atletico Madrid’s last nine games in La Liga.
- Atletico Madrid have picked up only 15 points from 10 games at home in La Liga this season.
- Athletic Club have won three of their last four games in La Liga.
- Athletic Club have won only three games away from home all season.
Player to Watch
Antoine Griezmann
😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/9Popve1RHX
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 18, 2023
Griezmann is coming to the fore for Atletico Madrid in a crucial period of the season. After the World Cup, the France international has been steadily returning to good form and is becoming a mainstay in the attacking system deployed by Simeone.
He has yet to assist or score since the Real Valladolid win back in January, which the manager hopes will happen soon. The next game is crucial for Griezmann to assert his importance to the side as Depay pushes to start games in the background. Hence, this could be the game for the Frenchman to make a mark.
Prediction
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Athletic Club
These teams in the decent form are coming to take on each other, with both looking for strong European place finishes. The clash has all the indications of an entertaining encounter. And it is difficult to pick an outright winner.
Defensively these teams are good, but they have recently faltered at the attacking end. Simeone’s side, in particular, has not had many goals to show. Hence, this clash may have a pragmatic side to it. We expect a draw and share of points at the end of ninety minutes.
