Diego Simeone’s men don’t really have much at stake in this league fixture, but for Sevilla, the result could have a massive impact on their season as a whole. The home team are fighting for survival, while Atletico are in a comfortable spot in their pursuit of a top-four spot.
Sevilla have been dragged into the relegation battle after a run of nine games with just one win. They did survive the drop last time out and will be hoping to repeat that this time around. They are currently 17th on the table with 31 points in their 30 outings.
Los Nervionenses have lost each of their last three league games. They suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat at the hands of bottom-placed Real Oviedo in their last outing. Since they are only two points above the drop zone, they could find themselves inside the bottom three if this result doesn’t go their way.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are fourth on the table with 57 points in their 30 outings. While they are 19 points behind the league leaders, Simeone’s men are still 12 points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis despite having lost their last two games.
While they will be eager to return to winning ways, their priority for now is to ensure they secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League. They defeated Barcelona in the 1st leg of the quarter-final last time out and will be looking to build on that result here. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could put to use.
The home team will be without the services of Marcao (knee), Tanguy Nianzou (suspended) and Jose Angel Carmona (suspended). Meanwhile, Cesar Azpilicueta (muscle) will undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability.
Sevilla will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Odysseas Vlachodimos will take charge in goal. Juanlu Sanchez and Gabriel Suazo will feature as the full-backs, while Andres Castin will partner with Kike Salas in central defence.
The back four will look to keep things tight at the back, and they will receive a lot of support from Nemanja Gudelj and Lucien Agoume, who will form the double pivot in midfield.
Chidera Ejuke and Ruben Vargas will take charge on the flanks for the home team, while Djibril Sow will feature in the number ten role behind Akor Adams, who will continue to lead the line against Atletico.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vlachodimos; Sanchez, Castrin, Salas, Suazo; Gudelj, Agoume; Ejuke, Sow, Vargas; Adams
Expect Diego Simeone to make wholesale changes to the XI that started in their last outing. He will look to rest all his key players ahead of their UCL quarter-final second leg against Barcelona.
Koke and Nico Gonzalez are both suspended, while Jose Gimenez, Johnny Cardoso, Pablo Barrios and David Hancko are all injury doubts, which means the majority of them won’t be risked in this fixture.
Atletico could go ahead with the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Juan Musso will continue in goal. Nahuel Molina and Matteo Ruggeri should continue as full-backs, but there could be changes in central defence with Marc Pubill pairing up with Clement Lenglet.
In the centre of the park, Rodri Mendoza and Obed Vargas could form the double pivot. The duo will look to shield the backline and control the tempo of the game.
Thiago Almada and Ademola Lookman will feature as the wingers for the away team, while Alex Baena will feature in the number ten role. Meanwhile, Alexander Sorloth is expected to be leading the line after having bagged a goal off the bench last time out.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Musso; Molina, Pubill, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Mendoza, Vargas; Almada, Baena, Lookman; Sorloth
Lookman will be the player to watch as he continues to make a strong impact since arriving in the winter window. The 28-year-old has already registered five goals and four assists in just 15 appearances, highlighting his ability to influence games in the final third.
Having found the back of the net in his last league outing against Real Madrid, Lookman will be brimming with confidence heading into this clash. With Atletico likely to rotate their squad, this fixture presents a great opportunity for him to take centre stage.
Atletico Madrid might not be at full strength, but they still possess enough quality to control key moments in the game. Even with rotation, Simeone’s men are expected to stay organised and look to capitalise on Sevilla’s defensive frailties, especially in transition, where they can hurt the hosts.
Sevilla, on the other hand, are under immense pressure given their position in the table and poor run of form. While desperation could drive them to put in a spirited performance at home, their lack of consistency and confidence might once again cost them. Atletico’s experience and cutting edge in attack should help them edge out a narrow win. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for the visitors.
