Roberto Soldado - Valencia
| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
ATLETICO MADRID  Courtois Juanfran, Godin, Dominguez, Luis Tiago, Gabi Turan, Diego, Adrian Falcao | VALENCIA  Alves Barragan, Rami, Ruiz, Mathieu Costa, Albelda Hernandez, Jonas, Piatti Soldado |
Atletico Madrid's narrow 1-0 victory over Osasuna in their last fixture helped lift the capital club into seventh place in La Liga, just two points behind fourth-placed Levante and the last Champions League spot.
For the home side to continue their fine form, they must do so without injured duo Diego Costa and Antonio Lopez, whilst Silvio is a doubt. However, Atletico welcome back attacking trio Tiago, Gabi and Diego after serving their one-match suspensions.
Unai Emery would have liked to have rested several players ahead of the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona, but his options are limited because of an array of injuries. Hedwiges Maduro, Sergio Canales and Paco Alcacer are all on the treatment table.
Los Blancos are also without suspended duo Sofiane Feghouli and Ricardo Costa.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Atletico Madrid have kept a clean sheet in each of the matches that new coach Diego
Simeone (pictured) has overseen, bringing about three victories and one draw in the process.
- Los Rojiblancos have beaten Valencia in three of their last four league matches at the Vicente Calderon.
- At home, Atletico have the third best record in La Liga behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, earning 21 points.
- Valencia, in turn, have the third best away record in the league, picking up 16 points on the road, again behind the El Clasico pairing.
- Despite this, Unai Emery's side are without a win in their last four consecutive away matches, drawing their last three.
- In their last three visits to the capital, Valencia have won on each occasion, including a 2-1 victory over Atletico.
Valencia could be fatigued after their Copa del Rey clash with Barcelona and have the second leg in mind when they travel to the capita, where they will face a side rejuvenated since the arrival of Diego Simeone. A home win is on the cards.
Editor's Prediction
Atl. Madrid 1-0 Valencia 
