Atlético Madrid is set to face Athletic Bilbao in a crucial LaLiga match on Saturday at 9 p.m. The Colchoneros strive to bounce back from a recent defeat against FC Barcelona. Currently, Atlético Madrid holds a record of 9 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses, accumulating 31 points in the league.
Match Overview
With a challenging December schedule ahead, Atlético seeks to maintain its competitive edge against title contenders like Barcelona and Real Madrid. They have experienced difficulties on the road, making this match even more critical.
Current Team Situation
- Julián Alvarez will be pivotal in creating and converting scoring opportunities.
- Álex Baena is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, reducing the team’s attacking options.
- Marcos Llorente is also unavailable, missing his fourth consecutive match.
- Johnny Cardoso is a potential doubt after sustaining a knee injury in the last game.
Athletic Bilbao’s Struggles
Athletic Club enters this match with a record of 6 wins, 2 draws, and 7 losses, totaling 20 points. They recently suffered a heavy loss to Real Madrid and have struggled, winning only 4 of their last 14 matches. This disappointing form has left them yearning for a turnaround.
Key Players and New Additions
- Nico Williams signed a new long-term contract, raising expectations for Athletic Club.
- Aymeric Laporte returned to the club from Al-Nassr, bolstering their defense.
- Jesús Areso was signed from Osasuna to strengthen their right-back position.
Historical Context
Historically, Atlético Madrid has fared well against Athletic Bilbao. They boast an all-time record of 82 wins, 31 draws, and 63 losses in LaLiga encounters. In the last 10 league matches, Atlético has achieved 6 victories compared to 3 losses.
Predicted Lineup for Atlético Madrid
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Jan Oblak |
| Defender | Nahuel Molina |
| Defender | Pablo Pubill |
| Defender | David Hancko |
| Defender | Nico |
| Midfielder | Alan Barrios |
| Midfielder | Conor Gallagher |
| Midfielder | Thiago Almada |
| Forward | Giuliano |
| Forward | Antoine Griezmann |
| Forward | Julián Alvarez |
This upcoming clash promises to be a significant encounter for both teams as they aim to improve their standings in LaLiga and recapture valuable momentum.
