Atletico Madrid will be looking to strengthen their position at the top of the La Liga table this week as they welcome Athletic Bilbao. The match schedules for Thursday at Wanda Metropolitano, with a kickoff at 9 pm.
The league leaders were held to a draw last time after a late Real Madrid equalizer, while Athletic built on a strong form recently, going five top-flight games without a defeat.
Diego Simone’s men hosted one of the most important fixtures in their title bid race against rivals Real Madrid. Luis Suarez equalized perfectly with a goal in the 15th minutes. However, a Casemiro assist equalized by Benzema meant a draw for both sides.
Before that, the Los Colchoneros got back to winning ways in league action with a 2-0 away win against Villarreal. It was thanks to Alfonso Pedraza own goal and a second-half strike by Joao Felix.
Simeone’s side currently sits three points ahead of second-placed Barcelona, having played a game less than Ronald Koeman’s side. However, this match serves as a game in hand. Their position in the league is due to a good defensive record, as no side has conceded as few as the 17 goals that the side shipping.
Marcelino’s side secured a vital win in their last time out when they welcomed 10th placed Granada to the San Mames Stadium.
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Head to Head
Both sides have 30 games against each other, with Atletico Madrid taking 20 wins while Atletico Madrid with seven wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid
Villarreal 0-2 Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid 0-1 Chelsea
Atletico Madrid 0-2 Levante
Levante 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Away
Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Granada
Levante 1-2 Athletic Bilbao
Levante 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Villarreal
Cadiz 0-4 Athletic Bilbao
Atletico Madrid Team News
Center back Jose Gimenez sets to miss out on the clash with a muscular injury. A major boost for Diego Simeone is the return of Kieran Trippier. We expect a back three formation with Stefan Savic, Felipe and Mario Hermoso.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
Despite getting dropped during their win over Granada, both Iker Muniain and Inaki Williams will make their returns to the starting XI. Veteran defender Inigo Martinez sets to remain absent while serving a suspension for a red card picked up against Levante.
Prediction and Odds
With their opponents returning to good form, we expect a heated clash against the Basque outfit this Thursday.
Correct Score: 2-0
Atletico Madrid Win
Goals Under 2.5
