This will be the first time the two teams meet after contesting the Europa League final last May, in which Atletico ran out easy 3-0 winners.

Los Leones now aim to get revenge on their opponents for the aforementioned defeat, but winning at Vicente Calderon will be no easy task.

Atletico Madrid looked to be heading for another disappointing season last term, but the arrival of coach Diego Simeone changed everything.

Los Colchoneros went on to win the Europa League title, while finishing the league campaign in 5th place, just two points behind Champions League places.

The team are obviously looking for more success this term, with new signings Emre Belezoglu, Cristian Rodriguez and Cata Diaz expected to increase competition for places.

Diego, Eduardo Salvio, Alvaro Dominguez and Luis Perea have left the club, but the most important thing is key players Falcao, Adrian and Arda Turan all stayed.

Following the credible 1-1 draw away to Levante, los Colchoneros are 1.65 (13/20) with BetVictor to beat Athletic for the second time in three months.

The good news is Filipe Luis returns to the side after recovering from injury, but Juanfran is unlikely to be risked despite shaking off a knee problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Courtois – Silvio, Godin, Miranda, Luis – Tiago, Gabi – Adrian, Turan, Rodriguez – Falcao.

Athletic Bilbao have started the new season amidst uncertainty surrounding key players Fernando Llorente, Javi Martinez and Fernando Amorebieta, who could all leave the club before the transfer window closes.

It was not easy to work in that kind of atmosphere and that is probably the main reason for the slow start to the season that saw los Leones lose two of their first four games.

Athletic recorded a 5-3 home defeat to Betis in their opening La Liga fixture, but the team then showed massive improvement to hammer Helsinki 6-0 in the Europa League play-off first leg.

With the impressive win at San Mames surving as a major confidence boost and with the Europa League final defeat in mind, los Leones could be worth a shot at 6.00 (5/1) offered by BetVictor.

Fernando Llorente and Javi Martinez have resumed training with the group, but they are not in contention for the game at Vicente Calderon.

Iker Muniain, however, should start after recovering from injury, but now Ander Herrera is sidelined with a groin problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Iraizoz – Iraola, Gurpegui, San Jose, Inigo Perez – Muniain, Iturraspe, De Marcos – Susaeta, Aduriz, Isma Lopez.