Atletico Madrid and Real Betis face off in La Liga on Sunday at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Diego Simeone’s team arrive sitting third in the table, while Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis occupy fifth place with 35 points after an eye-catching campaign. It’s the second meeting between the teams in three days, after a Copa del Rey quarter-final in midweek.
Atletico Madrid team news
Atleti head into this encounter buoyed by a ruthless 5-0 victory away to Betis in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, a match in which January arrival Ademola Lookman marked his debut with a goal and an assist in a one-sided contest.
Simeone has publicly lauded the Nigerian forward’s influence, telling beIN SPORTS that Lookman “will make us better”, emphasising that his pace, dribbling and end product offer Atletico “different tools” in the attacking third.
In midfield, Johnny Cardoso is ruled out due to a muscle injury that is expected to sideline him until the end of February, while Pablo Barrios faces several weeks out after sustaining a thigh problem during that 5-0 cup win in Seville.
There are also fresh concerns elsewhere in the squad, with Nico González rated doubtful, and Alexander Sørloth considered a serious doubt after suffering a recent head injury, with his availability dependent on late medical checks.
Atletico Madrid predicted lineup
Possible Atletico Madrid starting XI: Oblak; Pubill, Hancko, Gimenez, Ruggeri; Koke, Llorente; Simeone, Baena, Lookman; Alvarez
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 5:30pm BST on Sunday, 8th February.
How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis?
For viewers in the UK, the Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis clash will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1.
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