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Atletico Madrid will hope to halt their losing streak when they welcome Athletic Bilbao to Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Saturday.
The hosts are on a four-game losing run and have suffered seven defeats in their last eight matches across all competitions.
Ninth-placed Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, are on a quest to secure a top-six spot.
Read our Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao prediction, preview and betting tips. You can also check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
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Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao key stats
- Five or more cards were awarded in eight of Atletico Madrid's last 10 matches.
- Seven of Atletico Madrid's last eight games went above the 2.5-goal mark.
- Athletic Bilbao conceded first in six of their last eight fixtures.
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao preview: Los Colchoneros’ struggles to continue?
| Atletico Madrid | vs | Athletic Bilbao |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | Position | 9th |
| 57 | Points | 41 |
| 53 | Goals For | 34 |
| 35 | Goals Against | 45 |
| 12 | Clean Sheets | 6 |
| 3rd | Home Rank | 6th |
| 7th | Away Rank | 15th |
*These figures were accurate at the time of publishing.
Atletico Madrid's Copa del Rey final defeat against Real Sociedad last weekend was followed by another disappointing result, as they lost 3-2 at Elche earlier this week.
While Diego Simeone's troops have now lost seven of their last eight games in all competitions, it's worth mentioning that they have been one of the best home teams in La Liga this season, winning 13 of their 16 league matches at Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
The loss to Real Sociedad in Sunday’s Copa del Rey final took a toll on Atletico Madrid’s squad, with up to eight players, including Alexander Sorloth, Ademola Lookman, Julian Alvarez, Koke, Pablo Barrios, David Hancko, Jose Maria Gimenez, and Matteo Ruggeri, all missing Tuesday's defeat to Elche due to several health concerns.
For this game, Atleti still have Ademola Lookman ruled out due to muscular problems, while checks will have to be made on Alexander Sorloth, Julian Alvarez, Koke, and Matteo Ruggeri to ascertain their availability.
Thiago Almada was sent off against Elche for bringing down David Affengruber in the penalty area last time out and is suspended for this game. Almada’s absence leaves Diego Simeone with fewer options in attack, with the gaffer not keen on risking Sorloth and Alvarez as the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal comes next week.
On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao halted their losing run with a 1-0 victory over Osasuna a few days ago. However, Ernesto Valverde's men have lost three consecutive away games across all competitions without scoring a single goal.
The Basque side only have defender Aymeric Laporte sidelined for this encounter. The former Manchester City player suffered a hamstring injury in his side's win over Osasuna on Tuesday night.
Laporte was forced off midway through the second half and was replaced by Dani Vivian, who will likely take his place in central defence for this game.
The Williams brothers are set to feature on either side of the flanks, with Gorka Guruzeta, who netted the winner against Osasuna last time out, getting the nod up front. However, there will be no minutes here for Mikel Jauregizar as the midfielder is suspended following his late sending off in the clash with Osasuna.
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao form guide & betting tips
| Atletico Madrid | vs | Athletic Bilbao |
|---|---|---|
| W-L-L-L-L | Form | L-W-L-L-W |
| 3 | Points | 6 |
| 19th | Form Table | 13th |
| 7 | Goals For | 4 |
| 10 | Goals Against | 8 |
Whispers Predicts: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
At 2.27, Atletico Madrid are considered favourites by the bookies.
The hosts have 13 wins in 16 home games in La Liga this season, while Athletic Bilbao have lost three consecutive away matches without scoring.
Keeping in mind that Athletic Bilbao have not beaten Atletico Madrid in a league match away from home since January 2011, we are confident that Los Colchoneros will claim all the spoils here.
Moreover, eight of the last 10 H2Hs went below the 2.5-goal threshold, and this can be backed at 1.92.
> BTTS - No at 2.10 | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 1.92 | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result - Atletico Madrid at 2.27 | Likelihood: Probable
> Atletico Madrid & BTTS - No at 3.9 | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score: 2-0 at 11.00 | Likelihood: Outsider