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Atletico Madrid return to action this weekend against Elche in their La Liga fixture.
Despite losing 2-0 in the Madrid derby to Real Madrid last time around, Los Colchoneros are top of the standings thanks to their superior goal difference.
The hosts welcome Elche, who are winless in their last six league games, to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday evening.
Atletico Madrid vs Elche Head-to-Head
Atletico and Elche have squared off 48 times across all competitions. The hosts have a sizeable advantage in the fixture and lead Los Franjiverdes 28-10 in wins. A total of 10 games between the two sides have ended in a stalemate.
Diego Simeone's side are on a six-game unbeaten run against Elche and have conceded just once in these six encounters.
Atletico Madrid form guide: W-L-W-W-D
Elche form guide: W-L-D-D-D
Atletico Madrid vs Elche Team News
Diego Simeone heads into the game with one additional injury concern on top of the two long-term absentees - Jose Gimenez and Diego Costa. Midfielder Hector Herrera was withdrawn at half time against Real Madrid and, as per the club's official statement, has suffered a knock.
Left-back Manu Sanchez was named in the squad for the Copa del Rey fixture. He is back in training and could start from the bench in this match.
Injured: Hector Herrera (knock), Diego Costa (muscle), Jose Gimenez (muscle)
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Elche will be without the services of Guido Carrillo, who has only participated in three games this year on account of a recurring knee problem. There are no fresh injury concerns or suspended players to worry about for coach Jorge Almirón.
Injured: Guido Carrillo (knee)
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Atletico Madrid vs Elche Predicted XI
Atletico Madrid Predicted XI (3-5-2): Jan Oblak; Stefan Savic, Felipe, Mario Hermoso; Kieran Trippier, Renan Lodi, Marcos Llorente, Koke, Saul; Luis Suarez, Joao Felix
Elche Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Edgar Badia; Antonio Barragan, Gonzalo Verdu, Diego Gonzalez, Josema; Ivan Marcone; Raul Guti, Fidel Chavez, Josan, Omenuke Mfulu; Pere Milla
Atletico Madrid vs Elche Prediction
Both Atletico and Elche returned to winning ways in their Copa del Rey fixtures in midweek, with Simeone's men beating Tercera side Cardassar 3-0 and Elche recording a 2-1 win over Bunol.
Atletico Madrid have been characteristically solid at the back, conceding just four goals in the league this season.
We expect them to keep a clean sheet in the game and score a couple of goals against Elche, who surprisingly have the fifth-best defensive record in the league.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Elche
Also See: 5 most supported football clubs in the world
