Preview: Atletico Madrid vs. Olympiacos

When Olympiacos visit the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday evening, the equation for hosts Atletico Madrid is simple: Win and they will have secured their place in the first knockout round of the Champions League.

After their 3-2 loss to the Greeks in Athens on matchday one, Diego Simeone's Atletico have won three group matches on the bounce and have not conceded a goal in the process.

Indeed, their home form in UEFA competitions is positive, having won 19 of their last 21 outings in front of their own supporters.

As far as team selection is concerned, Simeone has a major worry over centre-back Miranda, who injured his hamstring while on international duty with Brazil. Should the 30-year-old fail to recover, Jose Gimenez is expected to deputise.

There is also plenty of significance riding on this encounter for the away side. They currently sit in second spot, level on points with Italian champions Juventus. A win against Atletico would not guarantee their passage into the last 16, but with minnows Malmo to come on matchday six, it would boost their chances.

Head coach Michel, who spent most of his playing career with Real Madrid, has a near fully fit squad to select from, although winger Jimmy Durmaz has been struggling of late with a hamstring complaint.

These two sides met in Madrid back in 1993, with the home side running out 3-1 winners to seal a 4-2 aggregate Cup Winners' Cup victory.

Atletico:

Form in Champions League: WLLWWW Form in all competitions: WWWWLW

Possible starting lineup: Moya; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Ansaldi; Garcia, Gabi; Koke, Turan, Griezmann; Mandzukic

Olympiacos:

Form in Champions League: WLWLWL Form in all competitions: WWDDLW

Possible starting lineup: Jimenez; Elabdellaoui, Abidal, Botia, Masuaku; Afellay, Ndinga, Maniatis, Milivojevic; Dominguez; Mitroglou

Sports Mole says: 1-0