Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups & Team News | La Liga

Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Preview

• Competition: La Liga
• Date: Monday, 18 August
• Kick-Off Time: 07:30 PM GMT
• Venue: RCDE Stadium

The team from Catalonia will host the team from Madrid as both teams kick off their new season in the La Liga. Last season, when both these sides faced each other, it was a very competitive fixture, and this time as well, the fans can expect a similar game. Here's Sportsdunia's Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Preview. The Catalan side survived relegation last season somehow and are now determined to perform well in the upcoming season. They finished 14th in the La Liga last season, in which they collected 42 points, which left them two points above the relegation zone. They have been incredibly busy during this transfer market as they have brought in some new faces to their squad. They have also allowed 11 players to leave who were part of last season's team. They are looking very ambitious this season, and surely fans can expect a tough Espanyol side this season. Playing their first game at home against a strong Atletico Madrid side will surely test them to their limits; they will have to be at their best to get some points from the opening fixture.

The Roje Blancos have been busy in the summer transfer window and have spent a lot of money before the start of the season. Entering his 14th season as manager, Diego Simeone is seeking improvement from an Atleti side that came up short in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League last season. The Spanish giants have a lot of hope this season, as they have improved their squad drastically. There will be a lot of pressure on the players as well as on the coaching staff to deliver performance and bring in some titles as well. This upcoming fixture will be a mouthwatering clash for sure.

Espanyol Team News

The Catalan team somehow survived last season as they were on the brink of relegation. They will hope to start their new season with a lot of hope and will expect to perform better as they have brought in some new faces in the squad. All the players are fit to play against Roje Blancos.

Atletico Madrid Team News

This season, the Roje Blancos can be a serious La Liga title contender as they have brought in some really good players in the transfer market, and surely the fans are feeling confident ahead of the season and are hoping that Diego Simeone will lead them to glory. All the players are fit to play the upcoming fixture.

Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineups

Espanyol Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Fortuno

Defenders: El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero

Midfielders: Terrats, Edu

Forwards: Dolan, Hernandez, Puado, Fernandez

Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):

Goalkeeper: Oblak

Defenders: Molina, Gimenez, Hancko, Ruggeri

Midfielders: Baena, Gallagher, Koke, Simeone

Forwards: Griezmann, Alvarez

Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Head-to-Head Record

Both teams have faced each other 42 times, out of which Espanyol won 12 games, 11 matches ended in draws, and Atletico Madrid won 19 games.

Key Players to Watch in Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid

Leandro Cabrera (Espanyol)

Cabrera has been an integral part of Marquez's tactics, and despite many challenges and issues last season, Cabrera was a standout defender for the Catalan side. Quality-wise, he is not the best, but he is still able to do the job very well and is a proper team player. He does lose his calm and composure quite often, which leads to rough tackles and eventually cards. Cabrera is a disciplined defender who can lead the defensive line with confidence, and surely this season, he will have to step up his game to make sure Espanyol doesn't concede many goals.

Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid)

Last season, the Argentine international performed quite well, but still needs a bit of maturity as his decision-making is letting him down sometimes. His father and Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone are a bit critical of him, but surely he is proud of his performances. Simeone has the pace by which he can tear any defence, and surely he will have to score more goals as he missed a lot of chances last season. He admitted that he has a lot of room for improvement, and surely this season he can show his worth on the pitch.

Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Prediction

The last few games between these two sides have been very competitive and close encounters, as the matches have ended in draws. Quality-wise, surely there is a difference between the teams, but still, the home team will be tough to beat. Simeone will hope that his new signings do their job very well, and most probably the Roje Blancos will narrowly win their first game of the season.

Predicted Score: Espanyol 1-2 Atletico Madrid

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