New manager Marcelino continues his reign following their loss to Barcelona last weekend against in-form Atletico Madrid. The match schedules for Saturday at Wanda Metropolitano with kickoff at 6:15 pm.
It was a shocking defeat when the top of the table, Atletico Madrid, were knocked out of the Copa Del Rey by third division minnows UE Cornella this week. The leaders will be keen to overcome their defeat when they take on Basque opponents this weekend.
The odds seem to fall in line for Diego Simone, who has never lost a home game against the Athletic Club during his managerial spree at Atletico. What could be more worrying for Marcelino is that Simeone has won eight of nine matches of these ties while keeping five clean sheets along the way.
With Marcelino under the helm, it is too early to write off the Athletic side. Los Leones might be looking to overturn their misfortunes with an unexpected snatch and grab win at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Athletic Bilbao put on a show against the Catalans giants with two goalkeeping ending errors ending the game in a 3-2 loss. Marcelino will have to address the side’s horrible away form this season. The Los Leones have only one away win this season while picking six points from a possible 27 this season.
Atletico Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao Head to Head
Both sides have 30 games against each other, with Atletico Madrid takes home 20 wins while Athletic Bilbao has seven wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
UE Cornella 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Deportivo Alaves 1-2 Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Getafe
Real Sociedad 0-2 Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid 3-1 Elche FC
Away
Atheltic Bilbao 2-3 Barcelona
Athletic Bilao 1-0 Elche FC
Bilbao 0-1 Real Sociedad
Villarreal 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Huesca
Atletico Madrid Team News
Diego Simone has a level of depth to rotate the squad ahead of the clash. Defender Jose Gimenez picked up an injury during their week’s defeat and remains unavailable for selection. Stefan Savic expects to return to the starting XI after serving a one-match suspension.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
We expect more changes by Marcelino to the attacking front, with both Inaki Williams and Iker Muniain pushing out wide. Oscar de Marcos expects a more advanced role this weekend.
Prediction and Odds
The odds are stacked up against Marcelino to make changes to take on an in-form side this weekend.
Atletico Madrid Win
Goals Under 1.5
Away: No Score