Buoyed by the last-gasp victory over Elche that saw them remain in fourth position, Villarreal aim to prove their top 4 credentials against red-hot Atletico Madrid.

Los Colchoneros continue to impress on all fronts and no doubts they are the favourites to claim maximum points at El Madrigal.

It is fair to say that all neutral fans were shocked to see Villarreal go down to Segunda, but the Yellow Submarine have done brilliantly to return to where they belong in almost no time.

This season is reminding everyone of the time when the El Madrigal outfit were able to mix it up with the best of them in Spain and Europe, with Marcelino Garcia Toral’s side not willing to slow down.

It was important for Villarreal to end a three-match winless run on the road, even if they scored a late winner to defeat Elche, and now it’s time to make amends for the 2-0 defeat to Getafe in the previous home game.

Having already outclassed Real Madrid at El Madrigal, you should know the Yellow Submarine are 3.80 (14/5) to claim maximum points.

First choice keeper Sergio Asenjo has been cleared to face his parent club, but Dorado and Farinos are not yet ready to return.

Villarreal go into the high-profile match without top scorer Giovani Dos Santos, who is set for a two-week spell on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Asenjo – Mario, Musacchio, Gabriel, Costa – Aquino, Trigueros, Bruno, Cani – Uche, Pereira.

Following a very successful last season, many people believed Atletico would not be able to repeat the heroics this term, but Diego Simeone’s side are again proving all the doubters wrong.

With Diego Costa and David Villa creating an excellent partnership up front following the departure of Radamel Falcao, los Colchoneros continue to impress on all fronts, although the remainder of the squad also need to be given credit for this year’s results.

For the first time after a while, Atletico do seem to have a sufficient strength in depth and that is making all the difference.

With los Colchoneros already securing their place in the Champions League knockout stages thanks to four successive triumphs, it is clear they can now fully focus on the league campaign.

And with Atletico winning 11 of first 12 La Liga matches, it is hardly surprising they are 2.15 (23/20) favourites to triumph at El Madrigal.

Meanwhile, top scorer Diego Costa is 2.30 (13/10) to score at anytime and increase his goal tally of 13 goals in 12 matches.

Arda Turan and Joshua Guilavogui have resumed full training, but Adrian Lopez and Mario Suarez remain on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Courtois – Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Luis – Garcia, Gabi, Tiago, Koke – Costa, Villa.