Atletico Madrid travel to face Deportivo La Coruña in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday night.
A place in the quarter-finals is up for grabs, though their contrasting levels and trajectories suggest one has a clear advantage heading into this encounter.
Deportivo La Coruna vs Atletico Madrid – Match preview and team news
- Date: Tuesday, 13th January.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST
- Venue: Estadio Abanca-Riazor, A Coruna.
Deportivo La Coruna team news
The home team face significant challenges heading into this fixture. They will be without goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann due to injury, with Alvaro Fernandez expected to deputise. Defensive midfielder Ximo Navarro is also ruled out with a hamstring issue that will affect their midfield options.
Cristian Herrera, Deportivo’s prolific forward, has been instrumental in their cup campaign, netting three goals in three Copa del Rey matches this season. The 34-year-old striker will lead the line alongside the creative prowess of Stoichkov.
Atletico Madrid team news
The visitors will be without several key players. Clement Lenglet remains sidelined with a knee injury sustained in December. Argentine winger Nicolas González is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury but is expected to return by January 25. Midfielder Pablo Barrios, who suffered a calf injury in the 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad on January 5, is also unlikely to feature.
Meanwhile, midfielder Conor Gallagher and forward Giacomo Raspadori have been left out of the matchday squad ahead of expected moves to Tottenham Hotspur and Atalanta respectively. Spurs have gazumped Aston Villa to the signing of Gallagher, while Atalanta have beaten Roma to Raspadori.
Form
Deportivo La Coruna
Deportivo’s league form has been concerning, with the side winless in their last five Segunda División matches (three draws, two defeats). Their most recent league outing resulted in a 1-1 draw against Las Palmas on January 10. Despite their inconsistency in the top flight, their cup performances have provided encouragement following victories over competitive opponents.
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Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone’s men currently occupy fourth place in La Liga with 38 points from 19 matches (11 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses), eleven points behind league leaders Barcelona. Atletico Madrid arrive in La Coruña looking to bounce back after a disappointing Supercopa de España semi-final loss to Real Madrid (2-1) on January 9. Despite dominating proceedings in Saudi Arabia, Diego Simeone’s side fell short against their fierce city rivals, with Real Madrid capitalising on clinical finishing.
Predicted lineups
Deportivo La Coruna: Puerto; Altimira, Comas, Noubi, Quagliata; Cruz, Patino, Soriano, Mella; Herrera, Hernandez
Atletico Madrid: Musso; Martin, Molina, Le Normand, Pubill, Galan; Koke, Cardoso, Almada; Sorloth, Alvarez
How to watch Deportivo La Coruna vs Atletico Madrid
UK viewers can watch the Deportivo La Coruna vs Atletico Madrid Copa del Rey match live on Premier Sports.
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