Atletico Madrid will look to maintain their title challenge when they welcome Deportivo La Coruna to the Metropolitano on Saturday evening.
Diego Simeone’s side have been one of the form teams in La Liga in recent weeks, while newly promoted Deportivo continue to hold their own in the top flight despite a recent dip in results.
Verdict: Total away goals under 0.5
Best odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Bovada
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid enter the weekend in excellent domestic form despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Stuttgart in the Champions League during the week.
The point in Germany moved the Madrid club onto four points from their opening three European fixtures, but Simeone’s primary focus will now switch back to La Liga, where his side have won five consecutive matches.
Since a surprising 3-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in early September, Atletico have responded impressively with victories over Real Sociedad, Osasuna, Real Madrid, Alaves and Espanyol. That run has lifted them into second place in the table with 22 points from nine matches.
With leaders Barcelona facing Real Madrid this weekend, Atletico know another victory could allow them to gain ground on at least one of their title rivals.
Recent history also favours the hosts. Atletico have won five of their last six meetings with Deportivo and have not lost to the Galicians in any competition since 2009.
Team News
Koke remains unavailable due to a hamstring problem, while Cristian Romero continues to recover from an adductor injury. There is better news regarding Lee Kang-in, who has overcome a thigh issue and should return to the squad.
Julian Alvarez could retain his place in attack after scoring his first Atletico goal against Stuttgart in midweek.
Deportivo La Coruna
Deportivo’s return to La Liga has been encouraging overall, even though recent results have slowed their momentum.
Antonio Hidalgo’s side have collected 11 points from their opening nine matches, winning two, drawing five and losing only two. Those numbers have established a solid foundation for a club whose primary objective remains securing survival after promotion from the Segunda Division.
However, Deportivo are now without a win in five league matches following last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Levante.
The visitors have remained competitive throughout the campaign, but injuries in attacking areas have made it increasingly difficult to convert positive performances into victories.
Their task is made even tougher by a poor record in this fixture. Deportivo have not won away to Atletico Madrid in La Liga since November 1999, underlining the scale of the challenge awaiting them.
Team News
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains a major absentee after scoring five goals earlier this season, while Zakaria Eddahchouri, Marc Casado and Bright Ede are also sidelined. Noe Carrillo faces a late fitness test.
The return of Lorenzo Amatucci from suspension is a welcome boost, while Bil Nsongo is expected to continue leading the attack in Aubameyang’s absence.
Key Factors to Consider
- Atletico Madrid have won five consecutive La Liga matches.
- Simeone’s side are second in the table, five points behind Barcelona.
- Deportivo have gone five league games without a victory.
- Atletico have not lost to Deportivo since 2009.
- The visitors are missing leading scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
- Julian Alvarez scored his first Atletico Madrid goal in midweek.
Conclusion
Deportivo have exceeded expectations since returning to La Liga and have proven difficult to beat on many occasions this season.
However, injuries in attack have reduced their threat going forward, and a trip to one of the division’s strongest home sides arrives at an awkward moment. Atletico are playing with confidence, boast significantly greater quality across the pitch and understand the importance of keeping pace in the title race.
The visitors should make the contest competitive, but Atletico Madrid appear well positioned to secure a sixth consecutive league victory and continue their pursuit of Barcelona at the top of the table.
Verdict: Total away goals under 0.5
Best odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Bovada
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