Atletico Madrid vs Eibar prediction and preview for this Saturday’s clash in La Liga. Read on for our analysis as Diego Simeone’s side bids to bounce back from a damaging defeat a fortnight ago.
DATE/TIME – Saturday 15th September 2018, 13:00 (CEST)
STADIUM – Wanda Metropolitano
COMPETITION – La Liga
Saturday sees the ‘big three’ all face Basque opposition in La Liga. This is one of those rare occasions where you sense that Atletico Madrid are actually under more pressure than both Real and Barcelona. They’ve made a very slow start to the season and were beaten in Vigo last time out to already leave themselves 5 points off the pace in the title race. It’s simply essential that they get back on track with a win here.
We saw last season with Real Madrid how a slow start can effectively knock you out of the title race before it’s even begun. Diego Simeone may play down talk of his team going all the way and winning La Liga but there is now an expectation that they at least make a challenge given the quality they have. They didn’t even manage a shot on target against Celta and were a little fortunate to beat Rayo at home before that. Clearly something isn’t quite clicking and Simeone may consider bringing the likes of Thomas Lemar and Rodri back into the team here after his longer-serving players seriously under-delivered in Galicia.
On paper, this is a pretty good time for Eibar to be heading to the Wanda and they do so on the back of a win after they saw off Basque rivals Real Sociedad last time out. That was the perfect response to back-to-back defeats and they would have been grateful for the international break as they continue to nurse a few key men back to fitness.
Atletico Madrid vs Eibar Predictions
Score Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Eibar
There is something not quite right with Atleti right now and it’s difficult to put your finger on just what it is. With a squad packed full of internationals, Simeone won’t have had much time to work with his players on the training ground over the past fortnight. Therefore it’s hard to see them hitting top gear here after such an abject display last time out however when times are hard, they may well settle for doing what they are so good at – grinding out a 1-0 win.
Atletico Madrid vs Eibar Match Stats
- Since Eibar won promotion to La Liga for the first time, there have been 10 competitive meetings and 8 wins for Atleti.
- Eibar have never beaten Atleti in the top flight but they did draw 2-2 on their only previous visit to Wanda in May.
- Atleti have only scored 3 goals in their last 4 home league games.
- Their only win over that period came against Rayo in their only home game so far this term.
- Eibar have avoided defeat in 10 of their last 14 away league games.
One to Watch – Saúl Ñíguez
Saúl Ñíguez vs England
1 goal
66 passes
83% pass accuracy
2 dribbles won
2 tackles won
1 interception
1 clearance
3 aerials wonSwiss Army Man. One of the most versatile players in the world and his quality is unquestionable. Dream of every coach. ?? pic.twitter.com/mjkukKsDgg
— FootballTalentScout (@FTalentScout) September 8, 2018
It has been quite a week for Saúl. Forced to play a watching role at the World Cup, he has grabbed his international chance with both hands by first scoring against England at Wembley and then netting the opener in the 6-0 rout of Croatia in Elche, which just happens to be his hometown. He should be full of confidence heading into this one.
Check out the best action from Match Day Three
Also this weekend: Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid preview | Leganes vs Villarreal preview
Predicted Line Ups
Possible Atletico Madrid Team:
Oblak – Juanfran, Gimenez, Godin, Hernandez – Koke, Rodri, Saul, Lemar – Costa, Griezmann (4-4-2)
Possible Eibar Team:
Dmitrovic – Pena, Arbilla, Oliveira, Cote – Jordan, Alvarez, Diop, Milla – Garcia, Enrich (4-4-2)
