LaLiga 2018-19, Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid: Predicted Lineups

LaLiga 2018-19, Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid: Predicted Lineups - Predicted Lineups and more

A closely contested affair is expected when the Madrid giants meet on Saturday

Yet another chapter of the age-old Madrid rivalry is set to unfold as Atletico Madrid play hosts to a spirited Real Madrid on 9 February at the Wanda Metropolitano. Los Blancos have clawed their way back to third place in the league table, just two behind their cross-city rivals and eight behind champions-elect Barcelona.

Moreover, Santiago Solari's men will be riding high on the well-deserved draw they picked up on the other night at the Nou Camp against Blaugrana. Atleti meanwhile, will be aiming to bounce back after a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Real Betis.

Form beckons the visitors will win, but history suggest otherwise, as Atletico Madrid have lost just one of their last 10 home league games against their bitter rivals. However, they have failed to find the back of the net in each of their previous two LaLiga fixtures against Real Madrid.

On that note, let's bring you the team news and predicted XI without further delay.

Team news

Atletico Madrid:

Diego Godin will go straight into the starting XI

Skipper Diego Godin, who missed the defeat at Betis last weekend due to a muscular problem, is expected to go straight back into the starting XI. The same goes with senior men Koke and Saul Niguez as well, who will hand Diego Simeone with a major boost ahead of the acid test against Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Diego Costa and Stefan Savic remain sidelined. Alvaro Morata will be the center of hostile reception when he lines up for Atleti against his former club.

Real Madrid:

Although Marcelo struggled against Barcelona, he should be given the nod against Atleti. Marcos Llorente, meanwhile, is the latest addition to the treatment room after he suffered a groin injury in the last game.

The likes of Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale are in contention for the starting spots after having missed out on the playing XI against Barcelona, but Jesus Vallejo and Enzo Zidane are still out with hamstring strains.