Atletico Madrid face a crucial match in their fight for a Champions League spot this Saturday when they take on Athletic Bilbao at the Wanda Metropolitano. After two disappointing losses, Diego Simeone’s men will be desperate to get back on track against a Bilbao side breathing down their necks in the La Liga table.
Currently sitting fourth, Atletico are just three points clear of fifth-placed Bilbao, making this a six-pointer in the race for Europe’s elite competition. Injuries have hampered Atletico’s recent form, with key players like Memphis Depay and Marcos Paulo sidelined. Stefan Savic will also miss out through suspension, but there’s a chance Alvaro Morata could return to bolster the attack.
Marcos Llorente is back after a suspension, and Axel Witsel is expected to slot back into midfield. For Bilbao, Oscar de Marcos is out suspended, while Yuri Berchiche is a doubt. Yeray Alvarez is likely to fill in at right-back, and Aitor Paredes should be available despite a recent knock.
The attacking lineups are expected to remain unchanged, with Inaki Williams leading the charge for Bilbao alongside Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams. Atletico will be hoping Antoine Griezmann and Angel Correa can rediscover their scoring touch to secure a vital win.
Here are the predicted lineups for both teams
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Witsel, Gimenez, Azpilicueta; Molina, De Paul, Koke, Llorente, Lino; Griezmann, Correa
Athletic Bilbao: Simon; Yeray, Vivian, Paredes, Lekue; Ruiz de Galarreta, Benat; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta
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