Atletico Madrid look to continue their unbeaten start to La Liga when they travel to city rivals Real Madrid for a blockbuster first derby of the season.
Los Rojiblancos are a point clear – with two games in hand – of nearest challengers Real Sociedad at the top of La Liga, while their progress to the Champions League round of 16 is also sealed after a midweek win over Salzburg.
Having already beaten an out-of-sorts Barcelona this season, Diego Simeone knows that his side have a real chance to stamp their authority on the title race; and must pick a balanced side that can offer something in attack, as well as providing a sturdy derby defence.
Here, 90min looks at how Atleti should line up to get the job done…
Jan Oblak (GK): Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, Oblak has kept 149 clean sheets in 273 appearances for Atletico since joining. Guaranteed starter.
Kieran Trippier (RB): The Englishman has slotted into Simeone’s system seamlessly and has provided a good attacking outlet too. First choice.
Stefan Savic (CB): Has grown into a very good defender, who controls his backline and takes no prisoners in and around his box.
Felipe (CB): A perfect alternate for the injured Jose Gimenez, his aerial prowess and positional sense make him a no brainer for this game.
Mario Hermoso (LB): Usually a centre-back, Hermoso played well against Salzburg in this role and will likely keep his place.
Koke (RM): The captain has only ever played for Atletico and will relish this game. He’ll drift centrally and allow space for Trippier to come forward. Must start.
Saul Niguez (CM): A true box-to-box midfielder, who also came through the academy, Saul has a knack for big goals in big games.
Marcos Llorente (CM): Often fielded in a more attacking sense recently by Simeone, he is a defensive midfielder by trade and is in good form so should start.
Yannick Carrasco (LM): The Belgian is playing well and adds direct running, skill and good support to the attacking duo. Should start to cause problems on the counter attack.
Joao Felix (ST): One of the in-form strikers in Europe right now, his creativity and determination make him a guaranteed pick.
Luis Suarez (ST): The Uruguayan has missed games with COVID-19 but he always turns up for the big occasion. Has a good record against Real Madrid for Barcelona and will look to carry that over into his Atletico career.
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