Relegation-threatened Levante will be eager to build on their win last time out when they host Atletico Madrid on Saturday night. Both teams have had completely contrasting fortunes this season, but this still could prove to be an intense battle.
The home team are 19th on the table with 17 points in their 20 outings, with only four wins. Levante are five points off safety, but they do have a game in hand. Having won two out of their last four league outings, they will certainly be confident about their chances.
Levante are heading into this fixture on the back of an entertaining 3-2 win over Elche. While the result was a massive boost, they will have to do much better to stand a chance against Atletico Madrid.
The visitors are third in the league with 44 points in their 21 outings, thanks to 13 wins and five draws. Atletico Madrid have been a touch inconsistent this season, which is why they are eight points behind leaders Barcelona. They have a ten-point cushion over fifth-placed Espanyol.
Los Rojiblancos have been unbeaten in their last five league outings, winning four of those fixtures. Their last league outing was a 3-0 win over Mallorca, but they are heading into this one on the back of a surprising 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bodo/Glimt.
Simeone’s men will be eager to return to winning ways, and The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Roger Brugue (knee) is out injured, while Unai Elgezabal (knee), Victor Garcia (hamstring), and Diego Pampin are all major doubts.
The home team will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Mathew Ryan will be in goal. Jeremy Toljan and Manu Sanchez will feature as the full-backs, while Adrian de la Fuente will pair up with Alan Matturro in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Pablo Martinez and Ugo Raghouber will form the double pivot in the middle of the park. They will look to shield the backline and ensure the Atletico Madrid midfielders do not run the show.
Kareen Tunde and Ivan Romero will feature as wingers for the home team, while Carlos Alvarez will take up the number ten role. Finally, Etta Eyong will lead the line for Levante against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ryan; Toljan, De la Fuente, Matturro, Sanchez; Martinez, Raghouber; Tunde, Alvarez, Romero; Eyong
The visitors remain without the services of Antoine Griezmann because of a hamstring injury. Apart from the veteran French attacker, every other Atletico Madrid is expected to be available for selection against Levante.
The visitors will line up in a 4-4-2 formation, where Jan Oblak will take charge in goal. Marcos Llorente and David Hancko will feature as the full-backs, while Marc Pubill will pair up with Jose Maria Gimenez in the heart of the defence.
Giuliano Simeone is expected to return to the starting XI. He will feature on the right flank, while Thiago Almada will feature on the left. In the centre of the park, Johnny Cardoso will partner with Pablo Barrios. The midfield quartet will look to ensure they dominate the proceedings. Finally, Alexander Sorloth will start alongside Julian Alvarez in the strike partnership.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Gimenez, Hancko; Simeone, Cardoso, Barrios, Almada; Sorloth, Alvarez
The 30-year-old might not be a regular starter for Atletico Madrid, but he certainly is an integral part of Diego Simeone’s plans. He has been involved in 29 matches, racked up in excess of 1,500 minutes and has contributed towards 11 goals.
Sorloth bagged a goal in their defeat to Bodo/Glimt, and he has also scored in each of their last three league outings; as a result, he is certainly the one to watch out for.
Levante’s recent upturn in form and home advantage could make this a more competitive affair than the league table suggests, especially given their urgency in the relegation battle. However, their defensive frailties remain a major concern and could be exposed by an Atletico Madrid side that thrives on capitalising on mistakes and managing tight contests.
Despite coming off a European setback, Diego Simeone’s men have the quality and experience to steady the ship and get back on track domestically. If they maintain their discipline and efficiency in the final third, Atletico Madrid should have just enough to edge past Levante and secure another vital three points. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for the away team.
