Confirmed lineups for Atletico v Real Valladolid

Just a few weeks ago, Atletico Madrid was a point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, but after their stumbles against Getafe (2-1), Barca (2-4), and Espanyol (1-1), the 'Rojiblancos' find themselves ten points behind the Catalans and six behind Real Madrid in second.

They have also seen their hopes of claiming silverware this season fall apart after they were knocked out of the Champions League last 16 by Real Madrid last month, and then lost to Hansi Flick's 'Blaugrana' in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey earlier this month. 

Barcelona and Real Madrid won their respective clashes away at Leganes and Deportivo Alaves, meaning it is now Atletico's turn to catch up to the train, as they host Real Valladolid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Monday night to conclude matchday 31 of the league.

After a series of disappointing results, Diego Simeone's side were able to return to winning ways at Sevilla (1-2) last time out in the Spanish top flight. With only 8 games remaining until the end of the term, it will be crucial for them to bag a second consecutive victory.

On the other hand, an incredibly difficult season has left Real Valladolid bottom of the table, registering 16 points from 4 wins, 4 draws and 22 defeats in 30 matches. Sitting 14 points from safety, only something quite extraordinary would save Alvaro Rubio's men from the second tier.

But having suffered four straight league defeats against Valencia, Celta Vigo, Real Sociedad and Getafe, the 'Blanquivioletas' look destined to bid farewell to the Primera Division at the end of the campaign. Their goal-scoring troubles make their task even more impossible.

The basement side have only found the back of the net on 17 occasions this term, the worst attacking record of the league, while also conceding 69 goals, giving them the title of worst defence in Spain's top tier. They only managed to score 3 goals in their last 5 encounters against Atletico.

In terms of team news, Atletico will continue to be without the services of Angel Correa due to suspension, while Samuel Lino and Rodrigo De Paul are unavailable due to fitness concerns. Elsewhere, Jose Gimenez returns in the mix after serving his ban that ruled him out against Sevilla.

As for Real Valladolid, David Torres and Javi Sanchez will be back in the squad following suspensions, while Mario Martin is unavailable after being sent off against Getafe. Last-minute calls will be made on Karl Hein and Florian Grillitsch after the pair missed out on the Getafe clash due to injury.

Atletico Madrid's starting XI (4-4-2): Oblak (GK); Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Galan; Simeone, Kone, Barrios, Gallagher; Griezmann, Alvarez.

Real Valladolid's starting XI (4-2-3-1): Ferreira (GK); Candela, Aidoo, J. Sanchez, Henrique; Grillitsh, Juric; Anuar, Machis, Chuki; Sylla.