Villarreal-Atletico Madrid Statistical Preview

Team News

Villarreal

• Villarreal boss Marcelino Garcia Toral will be without the bright talent of Giovani dos Santos after the Mexican picked up an injury last weekend.
• In place of Dos Santos will be Jonathan Pereira who came off the bench against Elche to set up the winner.

Atletico Madrid

• Atletico Madrid continue to march on and even with the loss of Filipe Luis and injuries to Arda Turan and Mario Suarez, they are big favourites to continue their winning ways.
• Diego Costa will be boosted by the news of him being called up to the Spain national team for the first time.

Match Facts

• Atletico have won 12 of their last 13 matches in La Liga.
• Atletico have scored at least 2 goals in 11 of their last 13 matches in La Liga.
• Atletico have been winning at both half time and full time in 6 of their last 7 matches in La Liga.
• Atletico have won their last 3 matches against Villarreal in all competitions.

Prediction

• Atletico have attracted the plaudits this week. Defender Nenad Bjelica of Austria Vienna, whom they beat 5-0 midweek in the Champions League, believes “Atletico could win the Champions League” while former Real Madrid player and now Olympiakos coach Michel claims “Atletico are the most complete team in Europe”.
• After going with a 4-2-3-1 against the Austrians, Simeone is expected to revert back to his favoured 4-4-2 system which will see David Villa return to the starting side while Raul Garcia could keep his place ahead of Adrian after his great performance.
• The hosts are having a great season too, one that has so far exceeded everyone’s expectations. Beating Elche at the death in a hard fought contest showed just why Villarreal are flying so high. Marcelino Garcia Toral’s side have demonstrated great character while playing an attractive brand of football. They will need all this and more to overcome Atletico and without Giovani Dos Santos the task is made that little harder.

Villarreal 1 - 3 Atletico Madrid