Atletico Madrid Vs Athletic Club Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | La Liga

Atletico Madrid Vs Athletic Club Preview

• Tournament: La Liga
• Date: Sunday, March 2
• Kick-off time: 20:00 GMT
• Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano

Atletico Madrid are set to tussle Atheltic Bilbao in round 26 action of La Liga at Riyadh Air Metropolitano. These two sides are separated by five points in the table as they look to provide a title challenge this time.

Diego Simeone's side are genuine title contenders this term with the team showing their title credentials so far. They are currently occupying the third spot in the table behind league leaders Barcelona by one point. The last five matches for them haven't been that good in the league having managed just two wins in five matches with the other three being draws.

Rojiblancos are also in the hunt for the Copa del Rey having played a 4-4 goals thriller in the first leg of the semi-final. However, Simeone will be keeping a keen eye for the next match as they take on arch-rivals Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League. Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez have played a massive part in their success so far with both of them leading the goalscoring charts with nine goals and Antoine Griezmann being the top assists provider with five.

As for Athletic Club, they are also enjoying a fine season thus far with the team occupying fourth position, five points behind their opponents in the coming match. Ernesto Valverde's side are unbeaten in their last five matches in the league with two wins and three draws keeping two clean sheets in the process.

In the last match, they hammered Real Valladolid with a 7-1 scoreline to put a statement win before this crucial tie. Oihan Sancet their leading scorer with 13 goals was among the scoresheet in this match. Nico Williams after a breakthrough Euro campaign has continued impressed for them providing an astonishing eight assists so far. With a crucial first leg of the Europa League coming, it remains to be seen whether they rest some key players here.

Atletico Madrid Team News

Diego Simeone's side have two injury concerns in their squad as Koke is suffering from a muscle injury while Cesar Azpilicueta is a possible doubt due to physical discomfort. The good news for them is they have the depth in the squad to cope with injuries this season. Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann are likely to keep their place here after delivering a wonderful performance against Barcelona in the last match.

Athletic Club Team News

Athletic Club will also likely miss Alvaro Djalo due to injury and Yuri Berchiche will be a close call in this match. Oihan Sancet is likely to keep his place in the starting eleven after producing yet another magnificent performance in the last game. Also, Nico Williams shall be fit to start here after contracting a virus during the week.

Atletico Madrid Vs Athletic Club Predicted Lineups

Atletico Madrid predicted lineup (4-4-2):

Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak

Defenders: Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Galan

Midfielders: Simeone, De Paul, Llorente, Lino

Attackers: Griezmann, Alvarez

Athletic Club predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Simon

Defenders: de Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche

Midfielders: Vesga, Jauregizar

Attackers: I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Sannadi

Atletico Madrid Vs Athletic Club H2H Record

Atletico Madrid have only won two of their last five matches against the visitors, losing another three. The last two matches have been good for the home team having registered back-to-back victories in these matches.

Key Player to watch in Atletico Madrid Vs Athletic Club

Julian Alvarez(Atletico Madrid)

The summer arrival from Manchester City has already impressed within the team scoring 20 goals in all competitions for them. In his last five matches in the league, Alvarez has netted three goals with an xG of 1.80 to help them continue their winning record. He is a pacey striker who is equally gifted technically and decides the outcome of the match with his excellent dribbling skills and clinical finishing in front of the goal.

Oihan Sancet (Athletic Club)

Oihan Sancet is having his best season with the club already scoring 13 goals from 21 matches in the league. The attacking midfielder's trademark run from midfield has seen him develop a knack of coring goals regularly this season. He already scored six goals in his last four matches and will be aiming to continue his fine goalscoring form here also.

Atletico Madrid Vs Athletic Club Prediction

We have a blockbuster clash coming up between two of the best sides in the division. We can have goals, thrillers, and drama with each team stacked up with quality players all around. Atletico Madrid will be slight favourites here considering the home advantage and their recent record against the visitors. However, you cannot rule out Athletic here as they have all the tools to pull a major shock here.

Predicted Score: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Athletic Club

Where to watch Atletico Club Vs Athletic Club Live?