Sunday’s late game in La Liga sees Atletico Madrid host Valencia at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano as both teams look to boost their European hopes.
Atletico on a rollDiego Simeone’s team are on something of a roll at the moment, as a midweek 1-0 win over Sevilla in the Copa Del Rey means that Los Colchoneros have recorded back-to-back 1-0 wins. At the same time, they are unbeaten in five games in all competitions over 90 minutes.
Unfortunately for the men from Madrid, their recent form in La Liga has been highly inconsistent, as Atletico have claimed just two wins in their last five matches in the Spanish top-flight.
The recent unconvincing form has played a big role in Atletico falling to fifth place in the Spanish top-flight table. However, they are only behind fourth-place Athletic Club courtesy of an inferior head-to-head record.
Despite underwhelming recent results in general in La Liga, Atletico still have an excellent home record, as they are unbeaten in 21 home Liga games, having recorded 19 wins and two draws.
Valencia on a fine run in La LigaLos Che will head to the Spanish capital in confident mood, as Ruben Baraja’s team is unbeaten in five matches in La Liga, having recorded four wins in a row.
The excellent recent form has moved Valencia up to seventh place in the table, only three points outside the European berths in La Liga.
The visitors have won back-to-back away games in the Spanish top flight. However, the victories are their only wins on their travels in ten La Liga outings.
Their recent away games in the Spanish top flight have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in six of their last nine matches.
What am I backing?Both teams head into this game in decent form, and it is relatively hard to call. However, the bet I am backing is the home win, simply because Atletico are so formidable on home soil.