Preview: Atletico Madrid vs. Cordoba

Atletico Madrid will be hoping to maintain their steady push up the La Liga table when they take on a struggling Cordoba side this weekend.

The reigning Spanish champions have lost just one game all season, yet have managed to go somewhat under the radar once more as they look to keep pace with leaders Barcelona.

Last week's slender 1-0 victory over Getafe epitomises what Atletico are all about, with summer signing Mario Mandzukic scoring the only goal of a tight game from a set piece.

The key to the Rojiblancos' success has been their ability to remain strong at the back, which has seen them record the second best defensive record in the division behind Barca, keeping five clean sheets in La Liga thus far.

Diego Simeone will be confident that his side can keep their positive defensive record intact at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday, against a Cordoba side with just six league goals to their name all season.

It is perhaps no surprise therefore to see Los Califas camped inside the relegation zone, although having tasted just one defeat in their last four outings, they certainly won't make it a walk in the park for Atletico.

Fresh on the back of his late goal against Real Sociedad, Xisco may return to the starting lineup, with Fidel potentially making way.

Atletico, who are now just two points off the summit following four wins in their last five games, are likely to name an unchanged side.

Recent form

Atletico Madrid: DWWLWW

Cordoba: LLDDLD

Possible starting lineups

Atletico Madrid: Moya, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Siqueira, Suarez, Koke, Garcia, Turan, Griezmann, Mandzukic

Cordoba: Juan Carlos, Campabadal, Lopez, Pantic, Pinillos, Luso, Ekeng, Fede, Borja, Xisco, Ghilas

Sports Mole says: 2-0