Probable Lineups

4-2-3-1
Atletico Madrid
4-3-3
Athletic Bilbao
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Probable Lineups Statistical Comparision

(60) 42 Goals 37 (42)
(40) 17 Assists 30 (36)
(6.8) 7 Average Ratings 6.9 (6.7)
26.7 Average Age 26.6
182.5 Average Height (cm) 182.4
(0.9) 1.2 Shots pg 1.2 (0.8)
(55%) 55% Aerial Duel Success 50% (50%)
(0.8) 0.6 Dribbles pg 0.6 (0.7)
(1.8) 1.7 Tackles pg 1.9 (2.2)
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in LIGA BBVA.

Missing Players

Player Reason Status Rating
Filipe Luis Doubtful 7.21
Juanfran Doubtful 6.78
Player Reason Status Rating
Jon Aurtenetxe Out 6.66
Fernando Amorebieta Out 6.89
Iker Muniain Doubtful 6.65

Team News

Atletico Madrid
  • Atletico were solid if unspectacular in their opening game away to Levante, but have been very strong at the Vicente Calderon since Diego Simeone took charge at the end of last year.
  • The Argentine was forced into starting with three natural centre-backs last weekend due to the absence of Filipe Luis, but the Brazilian may be fit to return on Monday. Juanfran is still sidelined though, so Silvio retains his place in the side.
  • One area in which there may be changes is in central midfield, where Gabi and Tiago started last time out but Mario Suarez, Koke and Raul Garcia will all be in contention to start.
Athletic Bilbao
  • Athletic showed great character to come back from 3-0 down at home to Real Betis last weekend, but in the end their chaotic defence was their downfall as they lost 5-3.
  • Marcelo Bielsa had left out Fernando Llorente and Javi Martinez for the Betis game due to the speculation over their futures, whilst Iker Muniain mised out through injury.
  • The young winger does have a chance of appearing at the Calderon, but Fernando Amorebieta and Jon Aurtenetxe are both still sidelined.
  • Aritz Aduriz also made a big impact after coming on as a half-time substitute last weekend and he is expected to take the place of Gaizka Toquero up front.

Prediction

  • Atleti famously got the upper hand when these two met in the Europa League final in Bucharest at the end of last season and are heavy favourites to repeat that success against an Athletic side still in a state of flux.
  • Radamel Falcao has had particular joy against the Basques, having has scored four times in the last two encounters between the sides and will be confident of getting off the mark for the new season.
  • Without Martinez, Amorebieta and Aurtenetxe the Athletic defence has looked just as vulnerable in the early rounds of the Europa League as against Betis and it is hard to see them coping with Falcao's power, Adrian's pace and Arda's invention.
© WhoScored.com

Latest Comments

 
  • Foscari

    Kieran-The two predicton scores for the two games today, should be the other way round on your analysis.

    38 weeks ago
     +1   Report
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Head to Head Stats

R Team W D L Pts Form
3 A. Madrid 22 6 8 72 wwldwl
12 A. Bilbao 12 8 16 44 ldddww

Top Players

Atletico Madrid
Athletic Bilbao
Falcao 7.29
D. Godín 7.27
Koke 7.26
M. Susaeta 7.18
Ander 7.15
G. Iraizoz 7.03
Falcao 28
D. Costa 8
R. García 5
A. Aduriz 14
M. Susaeta 6
Ó. D. Marcos 6
Koke 8
D. Costa 7
A. Turan 4
M. Susaeta 7
I. Gómez 7
A. Aduriz 6

Match Forecast

Athletic Bilbao will steal the ball from the opposition often  
Atletico Madrid will score from a setpiece situation  
Atletico Madrid will create many scoring chances  
Atletico Madrid will control the game in the opposition's half  
Atletico Madrid will score as a result of an opposition error  
* Match forecast is generated from clashes in team characters.
Data sources: Data Sources