Atletico Madrid will chase just their second home win since 22 August when they play host to Real Betis on Sunday in a crucial La Liga match.
Diego Simeone’s side missed the chance to join a glut of teams at the top of the Primera Division on Thursday as they were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw against Levante.
It was their second such result in a week, having come from two down to take a point with surprise league leaders Real Sociedad at the Wanda Metropolitano last Sunday.
Over the past couple of games, Simeone has tweaked his thinking, moving his side into a more offensive shape that boasts three attacking players.
While recent results have given him cause to reflect on this decision, it may be a little hasty to dismiss this switch altogether.
And with Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Joao Felix all available, Simeone is liable to once again opt for an attacking system.
The midfield, meanwhile, is looking a little threadbare. Marcos Llorente, a key figure, and Thomas Lemar, who has been rediscovering his best level this season, are both missing, while there are doubts over Geoffrey Kondogbia.
As a result, Koke and Rodrigo de Paul are liable to feature in the heart of the park, flanked by Kieran Trippier and Yannick Carrasco.
Atleti’s famed defence has suffered for the change in shape, but there are no surprises expected in that area of the park.
With a Champions League match against Liverpool looming in midweek, though, there is scope for some alteration, especially as the game develops and fatigue begins to set in.
Possible Atletico Madrid XI v Real Betis
