Joao Miranda, Radamel Falcao - Atletico Madrid
| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
ATLETICO MADRID  Courtois Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Gabi, Suarez Adrian, Diego, Turan Falcao | ESPANYOL  Alvarez Lopez, Rodriguez, Moreno, Didac Baena, Romaric Garcia, Verdu, Coutinho Uche |
Atletico Madrid seized control of their Europa League semi-final against Valencia on Thursday night, but with the capital club pursuing a top four finish, Diego Simeone is unlikely to rotate his squad ahead of the return leg.
Influential defender Diego Godin returns to the fold after missing the Europa League tie through suspension and is likely to replace Alvaro Dominguez who picked up a knock this week. Silvio and Antonio Lopez, meanwhile, continue their rehabilitation as they approach match fitness, following an extensive period out of action through injury.
Espanyol ended a baron run of five consecutive matches without a win with a thumping 4-0 victory over a lacklustre Valencia to reignite their own challenge for the European spots, moving to within six points of fourth placed Malaga.
Mauricio Pochettino can welcome back Philippe Coutinho and Juan Forlin from suspension for the visit to the Vincente Calderon, whilst the robust Romaric could be preferred in central midfield to add an extra physical presence. Vladimir Weiss may have to be content with a spot on the bench with Sergio Garica, Joan Verdu and Kalu Uche all playing a vital part against Valencia.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Atletico Madrid and Espanyol are level on points in La Liga, with the Barcelona-based outfit ahead because of a superior head-to-head record, achieved on the back of a 4-2 win in the reverse fixture.
- Atleti have only lost to Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Vicente Calderon in 2012.
- Diego Simeone's side have been heavily reliant on Radamel Falcao (pictured) this season. The Columbian striker has netted 22 goals in La Liga since his €40million move from Porto, 50% of their total tally.
- Espanyol have failed to win any of their last seven league games away from home.
- The Catalans have amassed the fewest away goals of any side in the top half of the table, alongside Osasuna.
- Fourth-placed Malaga are just six points clear of Sevilla who occupy 11th in La Liga, Espanyol and Atleti are also locked on 45 points.
Prediction
With the competition for a Champions League reaching boiling point Atleti will be aware of their head-to-head record with clubs around them, which could make this a more expansive tie considering the compactness of the table. Espanyol's poor away form, paired with Atleti's supreme home record, should lead to a victory for Diego Simeone's side, but by how many could be key come the end of the season.
Editor's Prediction
Atl. Madrid 3-1 Espanyol 
