Atletico Madrid vs Elche match preview and predictions for Saturday’s LaLiga match. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups as the hosts look to get back to winning ways after derby defeat last weekend.
- DATE: Saturday 19th December 2020
- KICK-OFF: 14:00 (local time)
- VENUE: Wanda Metropolitano
- COMPETITION: LaLiga
Atletico Madrid vs Elche Preview
The first game on Saturday in LaLiga comes from the Wanda Metropolitano. It’s Atletico Madrid’s first league fixture since their 26 game unbeaten run was ended in the Madrid derby and it’s important that Diego Simeone’s side respond in the right manner with nothing short of three points the expectation against newly promoted Elche.
The manner of the defeat at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano would have been a concern for the Atleti boss. While they did unquestionably run into Real Madrid on a good day, it was not a good performance from Los Rojiblancos and suddenly the title race feels a lot tighter again with both Madrid and Barcelona also winning midweek fixtures.
Atleti meanwhile were involved in the Copa del Rey, winning 3-0 at minnows Cardassar. Thomas Lemar was on target in that game and he has shown a few signs that he might be turning into the player Atleti originally thought they had bought, although we do need to see the Frenchman deliver on a much more consistent basis if he is going to break into the regular starting XI.
As for Elche, they’ll be happy with their return of 14 points from 11 games so far but a relegation battle is still most likely going to await them. They’ve gone 6 matches without a win now in LaLiga and were defeated 1-0 at home by Granada last time out.
They are a team that is quite composed in possession but lacks that player who can provide the killer pass or a bit of magic to break opposing teams down. Their cautious approach is underlined by a passing accuracy of 82% this season, the 7th highest in LaLiga, yet they are averaging only 1.9 shots on target per game, the lowest figure in the division and by some margin.
Read all our weekend LaLiga previews here!
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 5 Atleti Wins, 1 Draw.
- The sides last met in the Copa del Rey in 2017 with Atletico 4-1 aggregate winners.
- Atletico have won all of their home games against Elche this century to nil.
- Elche haven’t beaten Atleti since a stunning 5-1 win in a Segunda Division game in 2002.
Team News
José Giménez continues to be Atleti’s most notable absentee but Stefan Savic has been passed fit.
Elche have doubts over Omenuke Mfulu and Guido Carrillo.
Predicted Atleti Starting Lineup:
Oblak – Felipe, Savic, Savic, Trippier – Carrasco, Saul, Koke, Llorente – Suarez, Felix (4-4-2)
Predicted Elche Starting Lineup:
Badia – Josema, Verdu, Gonzalez, Barragan – Morente, Josan, Marcone, Fidel, Milla – Boye (4-5-1)
Atletico Madrid vs Elche Predictions
Score Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Elche
This should be a routine home win for Atletico Madrid. While Elche are capable of frustrating them for a bit and look more solid defensively than they did in their opening couple of matches, Atleti ought to finally break down the resistance and record an important victory to respond to the Madrid derby loss.
LaLiga Betting Tips (18+)
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