Atletico vs Betis – News and Probable Lineups

Atletico Madrid will seek to get back to winning ways in Spain’s top division as they host Real Betis at Metropolitano Stadium this Sunday.

Currently, Diego Simeone’s team sits third in the La Liga standings, trailing leaders Barcelona by 10 points, while Real Betis occupies the fifth spot, also 10 points off this weekend’s rivals.

Match overview

Atletico is not contesting for the title at this point, sitting 10 points behind Barcelona and nine points adrift of Real Madrid, who are positioned second.

Simeone’s squad boasts a record of 13 victories, six draws, and three defeats, with a top-four finish being the minimum objective moving forward in the season.

The team from the capital has advanced to the last 16 of the Champions League and enters this fixture following a dominant 5-0 win against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey, and they are set to face Barcelona in the semi-finals of the competition.

However, Atletico was held to a goalless stalemate against Levante in their last La Liga outing, so they will be eager to secure a win here.

The Red and Whites boast the best home record in La Liga this season, having collected 31 points from their 11 home matches.

On the other hand, Real Betis was shocked by the five-goal defeat to Atletico in the Copa del Rey last time out, and the Seville side will be keen to avenge that result.

Under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis is enjoying a solid La Liga campaign, amassing 35 points from 22 league games, placing them fifth—seven points behind Villarreal in fourth and one point ahead of Espanyol in sixth, with plenty of football still to play.

They achieved a 2-1 victory over Valencia in their last La Liga match, and they are also involved in European competition, having qualified for the knockout stage of the Europa League.

The Seville club has won only two of their 11 away league games this season but has managed just two losses, with seven games ending in draws.

In their earlier league encounter this season, Real Betis experienced a 2-0 loss to Atletico, while last season’s corresponding match in Madrid concluded with a 4-1 victory for Atletico.

Atletico Madrid La Liga form:

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Atletico Madrid form (all competitions):

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Real Betis La Liga form:

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Real Betis form (all competitions):

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Team News

Atletico will be without Pablo Barrios due to injury, while Johnny Cardoso and Alexander Sorloth are set to undergo late fitness assessments.

Ademola Lookman transferred to Atletico from Atalanta BC on the transfer deadline day and is likely to make a memorable La Liga debut for Simeone’s team in this fixture after scoring and assisting against Real Betis in the cup.

Additionally, Julian Alvarez may have another chance to start at centre-forward, having not scored in La Liga since early November.

Real Betis will miss the availability of Sofyan Amrabat, Giovani Lo Celso, and Isco due to injuries.

Hector Bellerin and Cucho Hernandez will also face late fitness tests, meaning the visitors could be without five players for the clash in Madrid.

Antony is expected to once again play on the right for the Seville team, while if Hernandez is unavailable, Chimy Avila is likely to play centrally.

Atletico Madrid probable starting XI:

Oblak; Public, Hancko, Gimenes, Rugger; Coke, Lorent; Simeon, Baya, Book; Alternative

Real Betis probable starting XI:

Valles; Ortiz, Bartra, Nathan, Rodriguez; Altimira, Roca; Antony, Fornals, Ezzalzouli; Avila

This encounter promises to be an intriguing fixture, and we anticipate a closely contested match on Sunday. A draw would not be unexpected, but there is a feeling that Atletico may just edge it.