Celta Vigo have finally shown some improvement following the dismal run in the league and they will want to take at least one point from the clash with Atletico. Meanwhile, los Colchoneros hammered Real Madrid to prove they should still be regarded serious title contenders and they will fancy their chances of recording 20th victory at Balaidos.

Celta back in business

Even with Luis Enrique leaving Balaidos to return to Camp Nou in the summer, Celta Vigo continued the rich vein in form in Spanish La Liga. Led by Argentine coach Eduardo Berizzo, the Sky Blues enjoyed a bright start to the season and hinted they could even enter the chase for European positions. However, rather than having the positive effect on the side, the 1-0 victory over Barcelona seemed to act just the opposite, as the team then embarked on a ten-match winless run in the league that seriously hurt their pre-season ambitions. Celta finally returned to winning ways as they defeated Cordoba at Balaidos, before holding Real Sociedad to a 1-1 draw at Anoeta. Having restored some of the lost confidence with two quality performances, the Sky Blues will be looking to extend the good run against La Liga holders Atletico, although that is clearly easier said than done. Celta did manage to earn a 2-2 draw at Vicente Calderon in the reverse fixture, but that was when los Colchoneros were still trying to cope with numerous departures and trying to integrate new players into the squad.

Midfielder Nemanja Radoja could return from injury, but Hugo Mallo and Borja Oubina (both knee) continue to miss out.

Atletico remain the boss of Madrid

After so many years spent in the shade of their more illustrious local rivals, Atletico are finally getting revenge on what many consider to be the world’s greatest club. While they were pretty unfortunate to lose the Champions League final to Real Madrid, los Colchoneros have enjoyed so many success over their local rivals in the past two years that they have every right to call themselves the best team in Madrid. Last weekend’s impressive 4-0 La Liga triumph over los Blancos proved Atletico are still a real force to be reckoned with and they are clearly not prepared to give up the league trophy without a fight. Diego Simeone’s charges have plenty of reason for optimism ahead of the trip to Balaidos, having won three or last four away matches in the league, only losing to Barcelona at Camp Nou. Big strength in depth is proving a major asset for los Colchoneros this season, with quite a few quality players ready to step in if needed, and it was youngster Saul’s performance after he replaced injured Koke that epitomised this claim.

Star players Koke misses out through injury, while both Arda Turan and Raul Garcia are suspended for the Celta game.

Verdict

Celta have shown some improvement of late and they have enough quality up front to make life difficult for Atletico, but they are not exactly in a position to threaten Atletico. Los Colchoneros are clearly on top of their game at the moment and they should be trusted to win at Balaidos.

Top pick: Away win   2.15 (23/20) @ SkyBet

Alternative pick 1: Over 2.5 goals   2.40 (7/5) @ Betfair

Alternative pick 2: Both teams to score   2.12 (28/25) @ 888sport