Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker:
Looking to make a La Liga statement on Wednesday night, Atletico Madrid will welcome Espanyol to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid
Starting with the hosts, while Atletico Madrid might have failed to mount any kind of title charge last season, Diego Simeone’s men have continued to build off of their summer flurry. Putting in a thumping performance over the weekend as they stormed their way to a 3-0 romp against Girona, the Spanish heavyweights will be smelling a golden opportunity on Wednesday night. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 victory against Juventus, the mood around the Metropolitano should be at a real high. Pencilled in as a standout contender in midweek, Atletico have continued to gain a reputation for their success on home soil. In fact, Simeone’s squad have lost just a pair of their previous 31 consecutive La Liga showdowns in front of their owns supporters a run that stems all the way back to January 2023.
Team News
Dealing with another injury set-back earlier in the month and yet to make a La Liga appearance this season, Atletico Madrid will once again be without France international Thomas Lemar on Wednesday night. However, Simeone’s men have reported a clean bill of health here.
Coming off the bench and making his Atletico debut against Girona over the weekend, England international Conor Gallagher should make a first start in the Spanish capital. Arriving from Premier League giants Manchester City this summer, Julian Alvarez will spearhead Simeone’s charge.
Espanyol
As for the visitors, while Espanyol might have made their La Liga return this season, Manolo Gonzalez’s men appear to have a real battle on their hands this time around. Simply looking to keep hold of their top-flight status, the Catalonia-based outfit have opened the new campaign in the midst of a public rut. Opening proceedings with a 1-0 loss away at Real Valladolid on August 19th, Wednesday’s guests are yet to put a single point on the board from any of their opening two La Liga appearances. Putting in another toothless performance over the weekend as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at home against Real Sociedad, Espanyol will certainly be bracing themselves for another heavyweight challenge here. It should also be highlighted, continuing on from last season, Gonzalez’s side have recorded just a single victory on the road from any of their previous eight competitive appearances.
Team News
Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance across any competition since the end of January, Espanyol will once again be without former Eibar midfielder Exposito on Wednesday night. Arriving from Union Berlin on a season-long loan deal, Alex Kral will start in the middle of the park here.
Watching striking star Martin Braithwaite leave Catalonia this summer, Tottenham loanee Alejo Veliz will spearhead Espanyol’s charge in the capital. Likewise, arriving from Roma last month, Albania international Marash Kumbulla will feature at the heart of Gonzalez’s defence.
Key Factors to Consider
