Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News

?Atletico Madrid return to domestic action on Sunday night as they host Villarreal in La Liga’s late kick off, with both sides vying for a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Tuesday night’s tactical masterclass against Liverpool in Europe was a welcome break from league action for Diego Simeone’s men, where Atleti’s indifferent form has seen them drop 13 points behind league leaders and city rivals Real Madrid.

A run of just one win in their last five league fixtures means Los Colchoneros only sit in the ?Champions League places by virtue of goal difference.

For visitors Villarreal, it’s a different story. They will approach the game full of confidence having picked up three wins in their previous four games in ?La Liga, and sit just two points off their weekend hosts.

Where to Watch

Team News

Simeone will once again be without the services of full-back Kieran Trippier as he continues rehab from a groin strain. João Felix has yet to figure for ?Atletico this year and is again expected to miss out. 

On the positive side, the home side’s frontline options are bolstered by the return to league action of Diego Costa – the Spain international made his return to first-team action in the Champions League tie with ?Liverpool this week.

For Villarreal, long-term absentee Bruno Soriano remains sidelined, while their midfield options are further weakened as Manu Morlanes misses out. Left-back Alberto Moreno is also a doubt for the visitors.

Predicted Lineups

Head to Head Record

There’s not much to split these two sides when comparing previous results. In their 21 meetings, Villarreal have emerged victorious on eight occasions, Atletico have seven wins to their name and there have been six draws.

The last meeting between the sides saw Atleti leave Estadio El Madrigal frustrated, unable to break down the home side’s tough defence, with the game ending 0-0.

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Recent Form

Atletico Madrid	Villarreal
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool (18/02)	Villarreal 2-1 Levante (15/02)
Valencia 0-0 Atletico Madrid (14/02)	Valladolid 1-1 Villarreal (08/02)
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Granada (08/02)	Mirandes 4-2 Villarreal (05/02)
Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid (01/02)	Villarreal 3-1 Osasuna (02/02)
Atletico Madrid 0-0 Leganes (26/01)	Real Vallecano 0-2 Villarreal (29/01)

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Prediction

Villarreal will come into the game the fresher of the two sides following Atleti’s mid-week excursions in Europe.

The visitors are in a rich vein of form at the moment and will fancy their chances as they come up against an out of sorts Atletico side.

However, the recent returns of Alvaro Morata and Diego Costa have come at the perfect time for the home side as the end of season run-in approaches. Tuesday’s impressive win over Liverpool saw the Wanda Metropolitano conductor Simeone back in full swing. Don’t be surprised to see the energetic Argentinian back to his eccentric best as he tries to drag his team over the line.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Villarreal

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