Real Madrid face their city rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday in what is set to be a huge derby match. Both teams are in the midst of a title race, with Real Madrid currently in first place, and Atletico Madrid in second. It promises to be an intriguing match-up, as both teams boast some of the best players in Europe.
Real Madrid are the favourites to win the match, having won their last five matches in all competitions. The team is playing some excellent football, and Manager Zinedine Zidane will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table. Forward Karim Benzema is the team’s top scorer, having bagged 15 goals in La Liga this season. The likes of Eden Hazard, Luka Modric and Isco are also in excellent form and will be looking to make an impact.
Atletico Madrid are no pushovers, however. The team is in second place in La Liga and has been in good form in recent weeks. Manager Diego Simeone has assembled a strong squad, with Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morata and Joao Felix among the team’s star players. Atletico will be keen to take advantage of any mistakes made by Real Madrid and get an important win.
Prediction: Real Madrid to win 2-1
Team News: Real Madrid will be without defender Sergio Ramos, who is suspended, while midfielder Toni Kroos is expected to miss out due to injury. For Atletico Madrid, Griezmann and Morata are both doubtful, while Felix is expected to be fit.
Lineups:
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Valverde, Casemiro, Modric; Isco, Benzema, Hazard
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Arias, Gimenez, Felipe, Lodi; Saul, Koke, Thomas, Lemar; Costa, Felix