Preview: Atletico Madrid vs. Villarreal

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone will be hopeful that his side can extend their recent record to 11 wins from 13 games when they host Villarreal on Sunday.

Last year's La Liga champions have recovered from a slow start to this campaign to move to within four points of leaders Real Madrid in the league table, while a goalless draw away at Juventus in midweek ensured that they topped their Champions League group.

Antoine Griezmann is pushing for a start behind Mario Mandzukic but defender Miranda is expected to remain absent with a hamstring problem.

Like their opponents, Villarreal have put together an impressive run of results, with El Submarino Amarillo not suffering defeat in seven matches in all competitions.

During that period, Marcelino Garcia Toral's team have won three successive games in La Liga, including the 4-0 thrashing of Real Sociedad last weekend.

Villarreal, who possess the second-best defensive record on the road this season, are likely to be without Cani and Mateo Musacchio for the game at the Vicente Calderon.

Atletico Madrid:

Form in La Liga: WWLWWW Form in all competitions: WWWWWD

Possible starting lineup: Moya; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Siqueira; Mario, Gabi, Koke; Turan, Mandzukic, Garcia

Villarreal:

Form in La Liga: LLDWWW Form in all competitions: WDWWWW

Possible starting lineup: Asenjo; Mario. Gabriel, Ruiz, Costa; Bruno, Trigueros; Dos Santos, Cheryshev, Vietto; Uche

Sports Mole says: 2-1