Atletico v Real Madrid: Preview and possible line-ups
We look ahead to one of the biggest derbies in football as Atletico Madrid take on their city rivals Real Madrid in a huge clash at the top of La Liga.
TEAM NEWS
Atletico Madrid
Koke and Saul Niguez could return to the side, having both missed Atletico's last match at Real Betis. Captain Diego Godin could also return to the side, having missed the last game with a muscular problem. Thomas Partey, often used as a right-back, is expected to continue in midfield alongside Rodri Hernandez, while Alvaro Morata is expected to start against his former club. Diego Costa and Stefan Savic remained sidelined.
Real Madrid
Sergio Reguilon is likely to return as Los Blancos' starting left-back following Marcelo's struggles against Barcelona. Gareth Bale may return to the starting line-up, but one man certain to start is Karim Benzema, thanks to his scintillating recent form. Jesus Vallejo are still out of action with hamstring problems, while Marcos Llorente has picked up a groin injury and won't future.
MANAGERS' THOUGHTS
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone
"[Courtois] is a great goalkeeper who did well for us and now he's enjoying a great time in his career."
"Luka Modric is their most decisive player. That remains the case."
"I've known him [Solari] for a long time. I coached him at San Lorenzo. We have a relationship, being Argentines, and he has shown his ability at Real Madrid."
Real Madrid manager Santiago Solari
“This is a huge game which will be very hard fought. We have to go into the game just as focused as we’ve been in recent matches, ready to give it everything."
'We’ve got to put in a performance like we gave against Barcelona, Girona, Sevilla, with the same hunger, energy and good football.”
FORM GUIDE
DID YOU KNOW?
The last four league meetings between the two sides have finished level.
Saturday's encounter will be the 162nd league meeting between the two sides, of which Atletico have won 39 to Real's 86.
Atletico Madrid have failed to score in either of their last two meetings with Los Blancos.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Arias, Gimenez, Godin, Lucas Hernandez; Koke, Thomas, Rodri, Saul; Griezmann, Morata.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Reguilon; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos; Bale, Benzema, Lucas.