Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid: preview and possible line-ups

Team news

Atletico Madrid: The big news is that Alvaro Morata will miss the game through suspension after getting sent off for two bookables in midweek against Mallorca. His appeal against the ban was rejected. Thomas Partey has a hamstring problem so Vitolo is expected to play. Diego Costa and Joao Felix will be up front for the home side while Kieron Trippier should return after sitting out the midweek trip. 

Real Madrid: Despite his goal in midweek, Rodrygo is not in the squad while many of those rested in midweek will return. The most notable one could be that of Luka Modric after missing the last four encounters due to a thigh injury. Isco (hamstring) is a doubt as is Marcelo. Bale, Benzema and Hazard will all be back for this massive game.

Managers' thoughts

Simeone did not give much away when asked about various topics in the pre-match press conference.. When asked whether he would rather win the derby or the Champions League, he just said that he was focussing on this weekend's match. He did praise Real Madrid though: "Real Madrid have improved a lot, they've got great footballers and a great coach." The Argentine also refused to be drawn on the 300 euro punishment Barca were given for tapping up Griezmann. 

Zidane explained why Rodrygo did not make the squad. "We know what we are doing with him. The decision (of him playing for Castilla) had been taken beforehand. We'll see what we do for the next game." The Frenchman also talked about the importance of Hazard: "We know the player he is. Game by game he will become the player we all want him to be." To conclude, Zidane said that the 7-3 loss to Atletico in pre-season will have no bearing on this match. 

Did you know?

The home team have not won any of the last eight La Liga matches between the two teams (5 draws and 3 away wins). The last time the home team earned the three points was in Atletico's 4-0 win over Real on 7th February 2015. 

Recent form

Atletico Madrid: Won 0-2 at Mallorca (25/9), drew 0-0 with Celta Vigo (21/9), drew 2-2 with Juventus in the Champions League (18/9), lost 2-0 at Real Sociedad (14/9) and beat Eibar 3-2 (1/9)

Real Madrid: Won 2-0 v Osasuna (25/9), won 0-1 at Sevilla (22/9), lost 3-0 at PSG in the Champions League (18/9), won 3-2 v Levante (14/9) and drew 2-2 away to Villarreal (1/9)

Possible line-ups

Atletico Madrid: Oblak (GK); Trippier, Savic, Gimenez, Lodi; Saul, Thomas, Koke, Vitolo; Costa, Felix

Real Madrid: Courtois (GK); Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Nacho; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Hazard, Benzema, Bale