Spanish defending champions are set to host the Europa League winners on Sunday in their 3rd game in La Liga this season. Atletico Madrid couldn’t have asked for a better start to their campaign after having won their first 2 games in fine fettle. With Real Madrid and Barcelona struggling, now is the chance for Diego Simeone to take an early lead in the race for Spanish supremacy.
3 points ✅
Clean sheet ✅
Your daily Correa goal ✅— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 22, 2021
Villarreal on the other hand, haven’t fared well so far in the tournament. Both their games were against comparatively easier opponents of the league but were only able to muster a goalless draw in both of them. Villarreal also lost the UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea on penalties earlier this month and the club haven’t hit top gear ever since.
Having not scored a single goal so far is a major worry for Emery and it is also a big blow for the morale of the camp ahead of this important fixture. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this important fixture in La Liga.
TEAM NEWS
Joao Felix still hasn’t recovered from an ankle injury since July and has been ruled out of the team selection. Their centre back, Felipe, was injured during the Copa America and hasn’t recovered as well. The rest of the squad is available in the pecking order.
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 25, 2021
Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineup: Oblak; Hermoso, Jiminez, Savic; Kondogbia; Lemar, Koke, Saul, Llorente; Suarez, Correa.
💭 Pensando en el campeón
El grupo ya trabaja con la mente puesta en el partido contra el @Atleti en el @Metropolitano
🗓Domingo 29/08
⌚ 22.00 horas¡Vamos, Submarino 💪!
— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) August 25, 2021
Villarreal don’t have any players out injured at the moment. Juan Foyth has also returned from his suspension. Unai Emery has the whole squad at his disposal and just needs to add the perfect players to his inventory ahead of the game.
Villarreal Predicted Lineup: Rulli; Estupian, Mandi, Albiol, Foyth; A. Moreno, Capoue, Trigueros, Gomez; Dia, Gerard Moreno
GAME CHANGERS
ANGEL CORREA
Image Courtesy: Instagram/ Angel Correa
With Joao Felix out injured, Correa has used this opportunity to cement his position in the team. He is the only player who has scored for Atletico Madrid so far this season with 3 goals and looks like the man they trust to finish the job in the final third.
The player has made 4 attempts so far out of which 3 were on target and also found the back of the net. Correa is the first name on the team sheet and is highly likely to be featured on the scorecard.
GERARD MORENO
Gerard Moreno has been Villarreal’s top performer for the past few years and was also one of the highest scorers in La Liga last season. He is their danger man up front and has made 7 attempts on the goal so far.
If there is anyone who can end this goal drought for Villarreal, it is Gerard Moreno. The 29-year-old just needs to have a few good shots on goal and he will be back to his usual stride in no time.
PREDICTION
This has always been one of the standout fixtures of the season and won’t fail to entertain you this weekend. Villarreal is desperate for a goal and a win against Atletico will give their supporters a great deal of confidence early on. Atletico Madrid needs to keep their momentum up and extend their lead over the other giants early on.
With a good squad by his side, Diego Simeone will make sure his team wins 3 points since every game is equally important for the defending champions. FootTheBall predicts Atletico Madrid 2-1 Villarreal.
