The first Madrid Derby of the season comes at a time when Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid are looking to build some momentum.
By Graham Ruthven
Derby day stakes
Two points is all that separates Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid in the fledgling LaLiga table with both teams hoping to use SundayâÂÂs Madrid Derby as a catalyst for the rest of the campaign.
Atleti have won three of their last four home derbies against Real Madrid and enter this weekendâÂÂs match on the back of commanding victories over Real Sociedad and Osasuna.
Real Madrid are on a winning run of three matches, but have struggled for the right balance in many of their early-season outings. José Mourinho is still working out his best team after taking over in the summer.
Similar could be said of Atlético Madrid who are going through something of a transition after a busy summer transfer window. Diego SimeoneâÂÂs team are only just starting to build some momentum after a tricky start to the season.
The Madrid Derby is among European footballâÂÂs fiercest rivalries and SundayâÂÂs encounter could have a big bearing on the outcome of the season ahead for both sides.
Key players
Jonathan David scored and assisted in AtléticoâÂÂs most recent win over Osasuna with the Canadian forward settling in to his new surroundings following a summer switch from Juventus.ÃÂ
Ademola Lookman is expected to start alongside David with ÃÂlex Baena and Lee Kang-In as supporting attacking midfielders. Atleti have scored 14 goals in just six league games and have a lot of creativity to utilise in the final third.
Marcos LlorenteâÂÂs energy will be important down the right side while Alejandro GrimaldoâÂÂs willingness to get forward on the opposite wing could give Atlético an outlet.
Kylian Mbappé has netted seven times in just six league appearances for Real Madrid and will be a constant threat in behind. The French forward is averaging more shots per 90 minutes than any of his teammates this season.
Arda Güler has created more chances than any other Real player and has been installed as MourinhoâÂÂs primary creative force. VinÃÂcius Júnior is another obvious threat having registered four goal contributions in La Liga.
Marc Cucurella is expected to start at left back, but Mourinho has a difficult decision to make over who should start on the right side of his defence with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries both excellent options.
Team news
Julián Alvarez is an injury doubt for Atlético Madrid. The Argentine endured a turbulent summer amid much speculation over his future and is behind on the fitness front. He could feature off the bench.
Pablo Barrios is expected to miss out with a muscle injury that could keep him sidelined for another two weeks with Alexander Sørloth another Atleti player still searching for fitness.
Rodrygo is sidelined through a long-term injury while Ferland Mendy and ÃÂder Militão are also absentees. Otherwise, Mourinho has a fully fit and available squad for the derby.
Prediction
Real Madrid have trypically been finding a way to win this season, with Mourinho quoted as saying that âÂÂat least no one gets boredâ watching them, so the likelyhood here is that pattern of a narrow victories continues here: Atlético Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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