Preview: Atletico Madrid vs. Real Valladolid

Atletico Madrid will be looking to end a run of three successive defeats when they host Real Valladolid on Saturday.

Diego Simeone's side followed up their loss at Almeria last weekend with a 2-0 reversal to city rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday evening.

The two Madrid clubs are level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga, with 57 points from 23 games.

Valladolid, who are three points adrift of safety at the bottom, extended their unbeaten run to three games with a 2-2 draw against Elche last weekend.

Atletico midfielder Tiago will miss the match with a knee injury that he suffered against Almeria, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and forward David Villa are doubtful due to knocks.

Valladolid attacker Jeffren Suarez has been ruled out for five weeks with a torn gluteus muscle.

Recent form

Atletico Madrid: WDDWWL

Real Valladolid: DLLWDD

Possible starting lineups

Atletico Madrid: Aranzubia; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Alderwereild; Suarez, Gabi; Turan, Diego, Koke; Costa

Real Valladolid: Marino; Rukavina, Rueda, Mitrovic, Pena; Rubio, Rossi; Larsson, Perez, Omar; Manucho

Sports Mole says: 2-1