After a perfect start in their title defence season, Atletico Madrid looks set to maintain it as they play host to Villarreal. The match schedules for Sunday at the Wanda Metropolitano, with kickoff at 11 pm.
In their opening two games against Celta Vigo or Elche, Diego Simone’s camp took six points to move on top of the La Liga table. On the other hand, Villarreal took off two points in their opening two matches with draws to Espanyol and Granada.
Atletico Madrid started last season with a huge lead over Barcelona and Real Madrid, but they fell slightly behind after suffering from some minor dips in form.
In the new season, Atlético Madrid will be looking to continue their winning streak and stay on top of La Liga. They secured a narrow win with an Angel Correa brace in Celta Vigo away match.
While their top rivals have already dropped points, Real Madrid will try to stay strong and climb the rankings on Sunday. They face a tough opponent in Valencia at home, though, so it will not be easy for them.
2017 was a great year for Villarreal, who won the Europa League in a penalty shootout against Manchester United after defeating Red Bull Salzburg, Dynamo Kyiv, Dinamo Zagreb, and Arsenal their way to the final.
Furthermore, they were frustrated as they dominated large portions of the game but failed to score against Granada on their first matchday.
Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal Head to Head
Both sides have 27 games against each other with Atletico Madrid taking ten wins while Villarreal with ten wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Atletico Madrid 1-0 Elche
- Celta Vigo 1-2 Atletico Madrid
- Feyernoord 2-1 Atletico Madrid
- Cadiz 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Away
- Espanyol 0-0 Villarreal
- Villarreal 0-0 Granada
- Chelsea 1-1 Villarreal
- Leeds United 2-2 Villarreal
Atletico Madrid Team News
Joao Felix is less likely to turn up with an ankle injury despite making substantial strides in his recovery journey. Luis Suarez is yet to start the new La Liga season after struggling with a late fitness.
Villarreal Team News
Influential midfielder Dani Parejo remains unavailable. In his absence, he will be replaced by Manu Trigueros and Etienne Capoue. Samuel Chukwueze remains out injured while centre back Pau Torres remains on holiday.
Prediction and Odds
Villarreal looks formidable at the back this season, but the hosts have more than enough to pick three points.
- Atletico Madrid Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Away
