Atletico Madrid vs Levante 13/01/19

13 January 2019

After being held to a 1-1 draw to Girona in Copa del Rey in midweek, Atletico Madrid return to La Liga action as they host Levante to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.

Although unbeaten in 15 successive competitive matches (W10, D5), Los Colchoneros have failed to secure a victory in their last two outings across two competitions, with both ending with the identical 1-1 scoreline. Atletico’s problems in the final third have seen them score one goal or less in four of the previous five encounters. However, Los Rojiblancos have racked up a four-game home winning run during which they haven’t conceded a single goal. Just like last season, Atletico’s main strength is their backline that has kept a clean sheet six times in nine LL home clashes, conceding just four goals in the process. If Diego Simeone’s men win this, it would probably be to nil, as eight of their 11 home wins in all competitions this season ended with Jan Oblak protecting his net.

Meanwhile, the visitors come motivated into this meeting after a stunning 2-1 home triumph over Barcelona in Copa del Rey. Midweek’s success has brought Levante’s four-game winless run to an end (D2, L2), but they’ve still failed to keep a clean sheet for the fifth time in a row. The Granotas’ defensive frailties have seen them concede 14 goals in their last five competitive encounters. Only dead-last Huesca (35) allowed more goals than Levante (34) this season. Winless in the previous four road matches (D3, L1), Paco Lopez’s players have ruined a promising record of three wins on the opening five LL road trips. All of Levante’s last five road races have produced over 2.5 goals with both teams scoring in each.

Provisional line-up – Atletico Madrid:

Gk: Oblak Defense: Juanfran – Godin – Savic – Thomas Partey Midfield: Rodri – Koke – Saul Niguez – Angel Correa – Lemar Attack: Griezmann

Provisional line-up – Levante:

Gk: Oier Defense: Rober – Tono – Erick Cabaco – Coke Midfield: Jason – Campana – Vukcevic – Jose Morales – Bardhi Attack: Roger Marti