Atletico Madrid – Man City, Picks and Tips
"Los Colchoneros" are a shadow of the team that became LaLiga champions the previous season. After a 0-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium, Diego Simeone's boys also lost in the domestic competition by the same scoreline. Their opponents were modest Mallorca. After 31 rounds of this Primera Division season, Madrid are only in 4th place with 57 points gained. Just one 'length' above fifth-placed Betis Sevilla, Atletico are no less than 15 points behind rivals Real Madrid.Belgian Yannick Carrasco returns to the UEFA Champions League after a three-match suspension. He could be an interesting left-back replacement for Renan Lodi. Jose Gimenez and Hector Herrera remain the two unavailable for the hosts. Both are injured. Diego Simeone is expected to field a similar starting line-up to the one used last week, despite his team being forced to attack. Antoine Griezmann and Joao Felix, rested in the league, will be the only attacking players in Madrid's first 11 for Atletico v Man City.
On the other hand, the "citizens" have had a hellish week. After beating Atletico in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final round, they have now faced Liverpool in the Premier League in a potentially decisive title duel. It was 2-2 at the end after City had led 1-0 and 2-1 following goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus. Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane each restored parity to keep Liverpool just one point behind Pep Guardiola's side. We'll have another Manchester City vs Liverpool clash next weekend in the FA Cup semi-finals.Gabriel Jesus is suspended in the visitors' camp due to yellow card accumulation. Also, the team's best defender last season, Portuguese Ruben Dias, is still injured. Guardiola has no shortage of solutions, however, thanks to his extremely valuable squad. The defence remains unchanged, with John Stones and Aymeric Laporte at centre-back. In midfield, Ilkay Gundogan would be preferred to Bernardo Silva for added security. The attack will be composed of a trio of Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden. In addition to Silva, Jack Grealish could also be an interesting solution coming off the bench.
Our recommendation tip for Atletico Madrid – Man City: FIRST HALF DRAW @ 1.80