The 2012 Europa League finalists square off at Vicente Calderon in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final clash.

With both sides flying high in La Liga and playing attractive attacking football, chances are we will see a thoroughly entertaining encounter.

Atletico Madrid may have missed an excellent chance to climb to the top of league standings at the weekend as they failed to beat Sevilla at home, but los Colchoneros have every reason to be delighted with their achievements so far.

Sitting tied on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona, Diego Simeone’s side are still effectively in the title race, whereas their Copa del Rey campaign is also going according to plan.

Following the easy triumph over minnows Sant Andreu, Atletico recorded a 3-1 aggregate victory over Valencia to set up a quarter-final clash against Athletic Bilbao.

And with Diego Simeone expected to field a strong side in the first leg, nobody is surprised his side have been made 1.40 (2/5) favourites for the win.

Midfielder Mario Suarez has finally resumed full training, but he is unlikely to feature against Athletic as he lacks match fitness.

Tiago Mendes could return from a hamstring problem, with new signing Jose Sosa also expected to start the match.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Courtois – Juanfran, Miranda, Alderweireld, Filipe Luis – Sosa, Tiago, Gabi, Turan – Villa, Garcia.

Just like their next opponents, Athletic Bilbao are trying to return to old glory days, and the reality is the club have progressed a great deal over the last few years.

Los Leones were always going to experience problems last season after losing two major finals the year before, but the new era that began with the New San Mames could prove to be a major success.

Ernesto Valverde has done brilliantly to help a very talented crop of players restore the lost confidence, quickly turning los Leones into the main candidates for the final Champions League berth.

And while back to back triumphs over Almeria and Real Valladolid helped Athletic cement the fourth place in the league standings, it comes as no surprise that the team are also doing well in Copa del Rey, arguably their favourite competition.

Having eliminated both Celta Vigo and Real Betis despite losing the first leg of both ties, los Leones are priced at 4.33 (10/3) to progress past Atletico Madrid.

Boss Ernesto Valverde has some selection problems as Iker Muniain and Gaizka Toquero continue to miss out, but Mikel Rico and Mikel San Jose return from suspension.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Iago – Iraola, San Jose, Laporte, Balenziaga – Iturraspe, Mikel Rico – Ibai, Herrera, De Marcos – Aduriz.