Wanda Metropolitano bears witness to its first-ever Derbi on Saturday evening, in a must-win for both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
The two city rivals are stuck on 23 points in La Liga after 11 games, with Madrid only above Atleti in third place on goal difference.
Los Blancos are still without Keylor Navas, Mateo Kovacic and Gareth Bale through injury, and they have been joined on the sidelines by Achraf Hakimi, Jesus Vallejo and Marcos Llorente on technical grounds.
However, Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal have recovered from their respective ailments and should start at the Metropolitano.
The latter’s return is particularly notable as he was diagnosed with a heart problem little under two months ago.
Atleti, on the other hand, have a full squad to choose from, and Diego Simeone backed Antoine Griezmann to put a barren start to the campaign behind him against Los Merengues.
“We’re going to face the best team in the world, like when we faced Barcelona this time last season,” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“They’ve won two Champions Leagues in a row and the League last season, so for now they’re the best.
“They’ve also taken all the good kids from other Spanish teams and they still are so the other teams can’t sign them.
“Griezmann? He’s looking very good. He was caught walking out of a team photo, but he always does it.
“I understand the journalistic game, but he’s our most threatening and important attacker. I’m confident that he hasn’t hit his best form yet.”
Despite still being unbeaten in the League, Los Colchoneros drew three straight games before their narrow win at Deportivo La Coruna a fortnight ago and have not scored more than one goal in a match since September 20.
Atletico Madrid (probable): Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Lucas; Correa, Thomas, Gabi, Saul, Koke; Griezmann
Injuries/suspensions: None
Real Madrid (probable): Casilla; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Isco; Benzema, Ronaldo
Injuries/suspensions: Keylor, Kovacic, Bale (I)
Referee: Fernandez Borbalan
Form guide: Atleti – 4th (W D W D D) Madrid – 3rd (W L W W W)
Previous meeting: Atleti 1-1 Madrid
Venue: Wanda Metropolitano
Kick-off time: 19:45 GMT/20:45 CET (LIVE on Football Espana)
