Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad preview

April 3, 2017
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Atletico Madrid will all but cement a Champions League berth with an eventual win over Real Sociedad, a team that appear to have lost all chances to finish in top 4.

Los Colchoneros were unable to mount a serious title challenge this season, but at least their top 4 finish will not come into question.

Following a rough patch they were going through, Diego Simeone’s charges have returned to the right track and they seem ready for a strong finish.

While securing their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, Atletico won last four league fixtures to leapfrog Sevilla and climb to third position in the overall standings.

Los Colchoneros extended the bright run of results at the weekend by defeating Malaga and they have now been made 1.40 (2/5) favourites to defeat Real Sociedad.

Diego Simeone faces some serious selection issues as Kevin Gameiro, Miguel Angel Moya, Nicolas Gaitan, Sime Vrsaljko, Tiago Mendes and Augusto Fernandez are all out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Oblak – Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Filipe Luis – Carrasco, Gabi, Saul, Koke – Torres, Griezmann.

Real Sociedad fought bravely with much stronger sides to remain in contention for top 4 positions, but it would appear as though their Champions League dream is now over.

The recent run of two defeats and a draw saw La Real fall behind Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, and they are now in danger of missing out on Europe League qualification as well.

With four important players missing the game against Leganes, Real Sociedad did well to come from a goal behind and secure one point, but they will have bigger fish to fry in midweek.

Having lost four of last five meetings with Atletico Madrid, failing to score in any of those defeats, La Real have every reason to fear the trip to Vicente Calderon.

The good news is that Carlos Vela and Esteban Granero are back from suspension, while David Zurutuza could also return.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Rulli – Odriozola, Navas, I. Martinez, Yuri – Bergara, Zurutuza – Vela, Prieto, Oyarzabal – Willian Jose.

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