Preview: Atletico Madrid vs. Sevilla

Atletico Madrid welcome Sevilla to the Vicente Calderon on Thursday in the first leg of their semi-final in the Copa del Rey.

Atletico have enjoyed an impressive season thus far, taking a total of 47 points from 21 matches to sit second in the La Liga table, four points ahead of capital rivals Real Madrid.

They enter the match having failed to win in their last two matches, however, with a 3-0 defeat away to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday their most disappointing result of the season.

Sevilla, meanwhile, have lost just one of their last five matches in all competitions having overcome early struggles, but they still sit nine points off a Champions League position in 11th place in the table.

The two sides have already met in the league this season, with Atletico recording a 4-0 win on their own turf. However, three of the last four matches between the pair have ended in a draw.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone still has concerns over the fitness of Radamel Falcao, with the Colombian expected to return to the bench, rather than the starting side.

Adrian Lopez could come in for a rare start alongside Diego Costa, while Miranda and Mario Suarez are both expected to start having missed the weekend defeat against Athletic Bilbao.

Sevilla, meanwhile, are expected to name the same side that beat Granada at the weekend. First-choice goalkeeper Andres Palop could return, but Julian Cuesta is on standby having impressed last time out.

Recent form:

Atletico Madrid: WWWDL Sevilla: LDDWW

Possible lineups:

Atletico Madrid: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Suarez, Tiago, Garcia, Turan; Costa, Adrian

Sevilla: Cuesta; Navarro, Spahic, Fazio, Cicinho; Kondogbia, Rakitic, Medel; Navas, Negredo, Reyes

Sports Mole says: 2-0