Third-placed Valencia will face Atletico Madrid in a crucial encounter on Sunday night. What’s next for the prospective Copa del Rey finalists in La Liga?
Atletico Madrid have the advantage. They know that Los Che will be playing with the Spanish cup tie against Barcelona in their mind.
They also know that European football is within their reach. Atletico are 7th in the standings ahead of Matchday 21. Beating Los Che will boost their confidence.
Three of both teams’ last 6 meetings ended in a draw. Valencia have the upper hand in terms of head-to-head following their 1-0 victory at the Mestalla in the first half of La Liga. However, the differences between Atletico Madrid and Valencia are tight.
Both have scored 31 goals in 20 matches. Atletico make an average of 16 shots in 90 minutes compared to Valencia’s 13. However, Los Che usually gather more ball possession (56%) than Sunday’s hosts (51%). Can we safely predict that the game will finish in a goalless draw?
One important thing to be mindful of is that Atletico have not conceded a goal in a bit more than 450 minutes of action. Since their 2-0 loss at home to Real Betis in December, they are on an unbeaten run.
Atletico’s last 3 matches have also ended in wins. Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Osasuna are victims of Los Rojiblancos’ resurgence.
Meanwhile, Valencia are going through a dip in form. How long should they wait before clinching their first victory in 2012?
Atletico Madrid and Valencia are poised to apply a 4-2-3-1 formation. Diego might play just behind leading striker Falcao for the hosts. Club top scorer Soldado will be tasked to challenge Atletico’s defence with Hernandez and Piatti at his side.
Unai Emery will once again have to deal with a number of absences. Sergio Canales is among the injured players on the sidelines while Vicente Guaita’s inclusion is yet to be confirmed.
They also know that European football is within their reach. Atletico are 7th in the standings ahead of Matchday 21. Beating Los Che will boost their confidence.
Three of both teams’ last 6 meetings ended in a draw. Valencia have the upper hand in terms of head-to-head following their 1-0 victory at the Mestalla in the first half of La Liga. However, the differences between Atletico Madrid and Valencia are tight.
Both have scored 31 goals in 20 matches. Atletico make an average of 16 shots in 90 minutes compared to Valencia’s 13. However, Los Che usually gather more ball possession (56%) than Sunday’s hosts (51%). Can we safely predict that the game will finish in a goalless draw?
One important thing to be mindful of is that Atletico have not conceded a goal in a bit more than 450 minutes of action. Since their 2-0 loss at home to Real Betis in December, they are on an unbeaten run.
Atletico’s last 3 matches have also ended in wins. Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Osasuna are victims of Los Rojiblancos’ resurgence.
Meanwhile, Valencia are going through a dip in form. How long should they wait before clinching their first victory in 2012?
Atletico Madrid and Valencia are poised to apply a 4-2-3-1 formation. Diego might play just behind leading striker Falcao for the hosts. Club top scorer Soldado will be tasked to challenge Atletico’s defence with Hernandez and Piatti at his side.
Unai Emery will once again have to deal with a number of absences. Sergio Canales is among the injured players on the sidelines while Vicente Guaita’s inclusion is yet to be confirmed.
