Just the one injury issue for Atletico Madrid, with Thomas Lemar out despite scoring the winner for his side last weekend. That means Rodrigo De Paul will likely start in midfield, but the forward line is less certain. Diego Simeone sandwiched Antoine Griezmann into his line-up last weekend and it unbalanced his side. The Frenchman started from the bench in the Champions League during the week, and that didn't work either, though the most likely scenario will see the trusted Luis Suarez and in form Angel Correa starting up top. Yuri Berchiche and Peru Nolaskoain remain out following respective operations. Óscar De Marcos is a doubt at right-back and could be replaced by Ander Capa, while Yeray Alvarez and Inigo Cordoba are also doubts. Striker Oihan Sancet is also a doubt with knee injury, but he is still expected to start. If he doesn't, Raul Garcia will likely replace him.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Athletic Bilbao's last 8 away games (LaLiga). Atletico have won their last 6 home matches against Athletic Bilbao in all competitions. Atletico have scored at least 2 goals in their last 6 home matches against Athletic Bilbao in all competitions. Atletico have won 6 of their last 7 matches (LaLiga). There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Atletico's last 7 games (LaLiga). Atletico have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches (LaLiga).
Atletico Madrid are ticking along but unimpressively so far, despite having what is arguably the most talented squad in La Liga. Simeone's men have the joint-highest points tally so far, with 10 having remained unbeaten, but they left it late to defeat Espanyol with a 99th-minute winner last time out, while they required a 95th-minute own goal to draw with Villarreal the week before. Los Rojiblancos also drew 0-0 with Porto in the Champions League during the week in what was a real blow given the tough group they find themselves in, so some tweaks are needed from Simeone, even if they are still just about getting the job done in La Liga. Simeone will want to have control of games, even if his side doesn't always dominate them, and that's not something they are currently doing enough. This weekend, Atleti face a stern test against an Athletic Club side who have impressed this term, appearing to take a real step forward under Marcelino, adapting to the former Valencia boss's high-energy approach. Athletic Club won 2-0 last time out thanks to goals from Dani Vivian and Inaki Williams, and that took them onto eight points for the season, a very respectable total indeed. They have every chance of taking a point here, but Atletico Madrid need to respond to their mid-week result, and an improved performance might just see them edge it at home. 1:0
Just the one injury issue for Atletico Madrid, with Thomas Lemar out despite scoring the winner for his side last weekend. That means Rodrigo De Paul will likely start in midfield, but the forward line is less certain. Diego Simeone sandwiched Antoine Griezmann into his line-up last weekend and it unbalanced his side. The Frenchman started from the bench in the Champions League during the week, and that didn't work either, though the most likely scenario will see the trusted Luis Suarez and in form Angel Correa starting up top. Yuri Berchiche and Peru Nolaskoain remain out following respective operations. Óscar De Marcos is a doubt at right-back and could be replaced by Ander Capa, while Yeray Alvarez and Inigo Cordoba are also doubts. Striker Oihan Sancet is also a doubt with knee injury, but he is still expected to start. If he doesn't, Raul Garcia will likely replace him.
Atletico Madrid are ticking along but unimpressively so far, despite having what is arguably the most talented squad in La Liga. Simeone's men have the joint-highest points tally so far, with 10 having remained unbeaten, but they left it late to defeat Espanyol with a 99th-minute winner last time out, while they required a 95th-minute own goal to draw with Villarreal the week before. Los Rojiblancos also drew 0-0 with Porto in the Champions League during the week in what was a real blow given the tough group they find themselves in, so some tweaks are needed from Simeone, even if they are still just about getting the job done in La Liga. Simeone will want to have control of games, even if his side doesn't always dominate them, and that's not something they are currently doing enough. This weekend, Atleti face a stern test against an Athletic Club side who have impressed this term, appearing to take a real step forward under Marcelino, adapting to the former Valencia boss's high-energy approach. Athletic Club won 2-0 last time out thanks to goals from Dani Vivian and Inaki Williams, and that took them onto eight points for the season, a very respectable total indeed. They have every chance of taking a point here, but Atletico Madrid need to respond to their mid-week result, and an improved performance might just see them edge it at home. 1:0
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Athletic Bilbao's last 8 away games (LaLiga). Atletico have won their last 6 home matches against Athletic Bilbao in all competitions. Atletico have scored at least 2 goals in their last 6 home matches against Athletic Bilbao in all competitions. Atletico have won 6 of their last 7 matches (LaLiga). There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Atletico's last 7 games (LaLiga). Atletico have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches (LaLiga).