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An interesting fixture is on the cards as Atletico Madrid welcome Villarreal to Riyadh Air Metropolitano for their La Liga clash on Sunday.
The hosts are looking to maintain their perfect start to their campaign following a 2-0 victory over Malaga on Wednesday.
Villarreal, on the other hand, will set their sights on securing their first win of the season.
Read our Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal prediction, preview and betting tips below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal key stats
- At least three goals were scored in five of Atletico Madrid's last six matches.
- Four of Villarreal's last five games produced goals at both ends.
- Villarreal drew first blood in six of the last eight H2Hs.
Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal preview: Goals expected
Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal — Tale of the Tape
| Atletico Madrid | vs | Villarreal |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Position | 6th |
| 3 | Points | 1 |
| 2 | Goals For | 2 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 2 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 3rd | Home / Away Rank | 1st |
*These figures were accurate at the time of publishing.
Atletico Madrid were frustrated for long spells by newcomers Malaga on Wednesday and needed two late goals to salvage an opening-day win.
Diego Simeone's troops will now set their sights on winning their first two La Liga fixtures for the first time since the 2021/22 season.
The fitness of Alexander Sorloth is still in doubt for this clash, with the forward still recovering from a muscular injury.
Like Sorloth, Julian Alvarez did not feature in Atletico's league opener amid speculation surrounding his future, and it remains to be seen whether the former Manchester City forward will be back in the squad for this game.
Summer signing Kang-in Lee made a scoring debut for the hosts on Wednesday and is expected to get some minutes here, while Ademola Lookman will likely retain his starting slot up front.
On the other hand, Villarreal were held to a 2-2 draw by newly promoted Racing Santander last weekend.
The Yellow Submarine had to claw their way back into the game after falling behind by two goals in just the first 35 minutes, and although they were back on level terms before the half-time break, the visitors were unable to take the lead in the second half.
Interestingly, not since the 2021/22 season, when they opened with four straight draws, have Villarreal failed to register at least one victory across their first two league matches.
Head coach Inigo Perez has the luxury of choosing his best possible XI for this encounter, as the visitors have no injured or suspended players.
Although Villarreal have won only one of the last seven clashes between these teams, it is worth mentioning that they cruised to a 5-1 victory when these teams last went head-to-head.
Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal form guide & betting tips
| Atletico Madrid | vs | Villarreal |
|---|---|---|
W
|
La Liga Form |
D
|
| 3 | Points | 1 |
| A | Form Table | B |
| 2 | Goals For | 2 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 2 |
W
L
L
W
W
|
Form (All Comps) |
W
L
W
W
D
|
Whispers Predicts: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Villarreal
At 19/20 (1.95), Atletico Madrid are considered favourites by the bookmakers.
Villarreal have won only one of their last eight competitive away games, and with only one win in their last seven meetings with Atletico, we are leaning toward the visitors for the win.
Additionally, five of Atletico Madrid's last six outings, five of Villarreal's last seven fixtures, and five of the last seven H2Hs went above the 2.5-goal line, and this can be backed at 9/10 (1.90).
We also fancy Villarreal to score first at 7/5 (2.40). The visitors opened the scoring in five of their last seven matches and in six of the last eight H2Hs.
> Over 2.5 total goals at 9/10 (1.90) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 39/50 (1.78) | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result: Atletico Madrid at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Probable
> Atletico Madrid & BTTS – Yes at 14/5 (3.80) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct Score: 2-1 at 15/2 (8.50) | Likelihood: Outsider