Atletico v Real Madrid: Preview and possible line-ups

by Charles Whitehead @besoccer_es - 08 Feb 19 0 +17k

Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid: Preview and possible line-ups. EFE

Atletico v Real Madrid: Preview and possible line-ups

by Charles Whitehead @besoccer_es - 08 Feb 2019 0 +17k

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.”