La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid go into the Villarreal clash high on spirits following the 1-1 draw at Camp Nou, and are searching for their sixth successive league victory.

The Yellow Submarine hope to revive their top 4 bid with a good result at Vicente Calderon, but that is clearly easier said than done.

With just seven games to go Atletico Madrid sit at the La Liga summit, one and three points clear of Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, with neutral football fans around the world hoping Diego Simeone’s side can sustain the challenge from El Clasico rivals.

Los Colchoneros have shown incredible consistency and character to be in this position and no doubt they will give their all to try and pull off one of the biggest shocks in the league’s history.

Ateltico Madrid are in a very good position to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals having held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in the first leg, but before they turn towards the second leg against the Catalans, Diego Simeone’s charges need to negotiate the league tie against Villarreal.

Los Colchoneros once again showed a great deal of character as they came from a goal behind to beat in-form Athletic Bilbao at San Mames and no wonder they have been made 1.53 (8/15) favourites to defeat Villarreal.

Star players Diego Costa and Arda Turan look set to miss out through groin injuries, whilst Javi Manquillo is not yet ready to return.

Gabi Fernandez misses out through suspension, but the good news is Raul Garcia is available again as he was banned for the Barcelona clash.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Courtois – Juanfran, Godin, Alderweireld, Filipe Luis – Koke, Mario, Tiago, Diego – Garcia, Villa.

Just like their next opponents, Villarreal have been exceeding expectations this season, but it now appears that Champions League qualification will remain just a dream.

The Yellow Submarine managed to end a four-match winless run by defeating Getafe on the road, but failure to beat Elche at home could cost them dearly in the final count.

As a result, Villarreal sit seven points behind fourth-placed Athletic and one point adrift of Europa League positions, meaning that a good result at Vicente Calderon would certainly come in handy.

And taking their 7-1-7 away record into account, there may be value in backing Marcelino Garcia Toral’s side to score at odds of 1.91 (10/11).

The visitors will be without winger Oliver Torres as they have refused to pay €200,000 that would allow the youngster to appear against his parent club.

Important defender Mateo Musacchio is a major doubt with a foot injury, whereas Dorado and Paul Iniguez remain on the sidelines. Javier Aquino is back from an ankle problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Asenjo – Mario, Musacchio, Paulista, Costa – Moises, Pina, Bruno, Cani – Perbet, Pereira.