Diego Simeone’s side showcased their improved attacking output in devastating fashion last time out, thrashing Granada 7-1 in front of their own supporters at the Vicente Calderon. Atleti have now found the back of the net on 21 occasions in their eight top flight matches so far this term, with the capital club – rather ominously for their rivals for the championship crown – having not yet given up any of their trademark defensive solidity, with only three goals conceded up to now. Atletico, who remain unbeaten this season, have responded brilliantly to a slow start which included back-to-back draws against newly-promoted duo Alaves and Leganes.
Sevilla have also begun the campaign extremely well, with the Europa League holders currently sitting third in the early standings; former Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli replaced Unai Emery as the club’s manager in the summer and has hit the ground running in his new role, winning five and drawing two of his side’s opening eight fixtures in the league. Sevilla finally broke their away-day hoodoo last weekend, beating Leganes 3-2 to end a remarkable run of 17 months without a La Liga victory on the road. A Champions League place is the target for Sampaoli and his players this term, and the Rojiblancos have started well in their bid to realise that objective.
Atletico will have to make do without Jose Gimenez, Alessio Cerci and Augusto Fernandez for their trip to Seville. Simeone could stick with the 4-4-2 formation he used last Saturday but may be tempted to stiffen up the midfield with an extra body in the centre of the park, a move which would probably see Antoine Griezmann fielded up top as a lone striker. At the back, central defenders Diego Godin and Stefan Savic will be essential if Atletico are to pick up another three points against their high-flying opponents.
Sevilla, meanwhile, will be unable to call upon the services of Michael Krohn-Dehli, Ivan Lopez Alvarez, Andres Schetino, Carlos Fernandez and Giorgi Aburjania, although Benoit Tremoulinas has returned to full training after spending four months out with a knee injury. Sampaoli, who encourages fast, high-tempo and technical football, has used a variety of different configurations since taking charge but will probably opt for a 4-4-2 this weekend.
Taking everything into account, it could be worth backing Atletico Madrid to secure a narrow victory at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday afternoon. While they will probably not play as expansively as they did against Granada and instead try to keep things tight, cede possession of the ball and hit their opponents on the counter-attack, Simeone’s side still have more than enough attacking quality to breach Sevilla’s backline. Given that there is always a good chance of Atletico keeping a clean sheet when they take to the field, betting on a 1-0 away win could be the way to go in this one.
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