Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid would want to return to winning ways when they square up against the second division outfit, Deportivo La Coruna, in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. While the in-form home team will look to cause an upset, the visitors would love to get the job done without much fuss.
The home team are fifth in the Spanish second division with 34 points in their 21 outings. They are looking to secure promotion to the top flight, but a recent dip in form has seen them drop down a few spots.
They have been winless in their last five league outings (3 defeats, 2 draws), and are heading into this fixture on the back of a 1-1 draw against Las Palmas. La Coruna got the better of La Liga outfit RCD Mallorca in the round of 32. While that result was certainly a boost for them, going up against Atletico is a completely different challenge.
Meanwhile, the visitors are fourth in La Liga with 38 points in their 19 outings. They have been very inconsistent in the league and don’t really stand a chance to challenge for the title, as league leaders Barcelona are 11 points ahead.
After a run of four straight wins, they played out a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in their last league outing and are heading into this fixture on the back of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of rivals Real Madrid in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup. Despite dominating the proceedings, they were just not clinical enough.
While they are heading into this one on the back of a defeat, Atletico are still clear favourites to win. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Deportivo La Coruna will be witfhout the services of Ximo Navarro because of a hamstring issue, while Daniel Bachmann might not be involved in this home fixture due to a lack of fitness.
They will line up in a 4-4-2 formation, where winter signing Alvaro Fernandez is expected to take charge in goal. Adria Altimira and Giacomo Quagliata are expected to be the full-backs for the home team, while Arnau Comas will start alongside Lucas Noubi in the heart of the defence.
David Mella and Luismi Cruz will feature out wide on the flanks. Meanwhile, Diego Villares will partner with Mario Soriano Carreno in a more central role. The midfield four will look to shield the backline and ensure Atletico Madrid do not have too much space to work with.
In the final third, Stoichkov will partner with Yeremay Hernadez. The duo will be waiting to pounce on any opportunity to hit Atletico on the break.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Fernandez; Altimira, Comas, Noubi, Quagliata; Cruz, Villares, Carreno, Mella; Stoichkov, Hernandez
Diego Simeone remains without the services of Clement Lenglet (knee) and Nicolas Gonzalez (hamstring). Pablo Barrios (calf injury) is also a major doubt after missing the Madrid derby last time out. The Argentine manager will certainly look to rotate his squad and rest some of his key players.
Atletico Madrid will also line up in a 4-4-2 formation, where Juan Musso will be in goal. Nahuel Molina and Matteo Ruggeri will feature as the full-backs, while Josa Maria Gimenez could start alongside Marc Pubill in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Johnny Cardoso will partner with Conor Gallagher in the centre of the park. The duo will look to control the tempo of the game. They will receive significant support from Giuliano Simeone and Thiago Almada, who will feature out wide on the flanks.
Antoine Griezmann could be handed a start here alongside Alexander Sorloth, giving Julian Alvarez much-needed rest.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Musso; Molina, Pubill, Gimenez, Ruggeri; Simeone, Gallagher, Cardoso, Almada; Sorloth, Griezmann
Sorloth will be eager to continue his fine goalscoring run and stake a stronger claim for a regular starting role. His physical presence, aerial ability, and sharp movement inside the box make him a constant menace, particularly against a defence that has struggled for consistency in recent weeks.
With Atletico Madrid expected to dominate possession, Sorloth could prove decisive in turning control into goals. He has bagged two goals in their last outing, so he is certainly the one to watch out for. The 30-year-old will be eager to add to his tally of eight goal contributions across competitions.
Deportivo La Coruna will take confidence from their cup run so far and will look to make things difficult for Atletico Madrid, especially on home soil. However, their recent dip in form and struggles to convert performances into wins could hurt them against a side that thrives on control and discipline.
Despite their recent setback against Real Madrid, Simeone’s men should have enough quality and depth to see this one through comfortably. The Argentine manager’s rotated side is likely to dominate possession, manage the tempo, and gradually wear down the second-division outfit. If they are clinical in the final third, Atletico should secure a convincing win. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-0 win for Atletico Madrid.
