Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker:
Seeking a much-needed boost this weekend, Atletico Madrid will welcome a high-flying Real Betis to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday afternoon.
Atletico Madrid
Starting with the hosts, while Atletico Madrid might have opened the 2021/22 campaign with many tipping them to reclaim their La Liga crown, Los Colchoneros find themselves in the midst of a recent struggle. Despite smelling what was a real chance away at Levante earlier in the week, Diego Simeone s side were hit with last-gasp heartbreak on the road. Throwing away the lead twice and eventually shipping a 90th-minute goal, the defending champions open this weekend s fixtures sat down in sixth and desperate to make up some ground. Marking their return from October s international break with that action-packed 3-2 defeat against Premier League giants Liverpool at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, Atletico have failed to win any of their last three matchups across all formats. Likewise, also having to settle for another 2-2 draw against an impressive Real Sociedad outfit last weekend, Simeone will have a real headache over his side s extended issues at the back. Shipping a pair of goals in each of their last three outings, Sunday s hosts have recorded just a single clean sheet from their last seven matchups across all formats.
Team News
Atletico Madrid have confirmed that both Marcos Llorente and Thomas Lemar will be missing on Sunday.
However, central defender Jose Gimenez has recovered from an injury issue and has been given the green light to return.
Real Betis
As for the visitors, while Atletico Madrid might find themselves in the midst of a recent sluggish spell, the same cannot be said for a high-flying Real Betis. With the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, Los Verdiblancos were last seen earlier in the week laying down another marker. Putting on a rampant display at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, Head Coach Manuel Pellegrini saw his side storm their way to an eye-catching 4-1 romp against Valencia. Really finding their feet under the former West Ham boss after securing a European return last season, Betis are enjoying a stellar purple patch. Marking their return from October s international break with a deserved 1-0 victory away at Alaves, Sunday s guests have won each of their last three La Liga contests on the spin. Likewise, potentially smelling the chance to cause what would be an upset in the capital this weekend, it should also be noted that Pellegrini s men have collected 15 points from their last six top-flight fixtures.
Team News
Defender Youssouf Sabaly is still suffering with an injury issue and will not make the trip to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday.
Likewise, Real Betis are also sweating over the fitness of Victor Camarasa who is also carrying a knock.
Key Factors to Consider
