Atletico Madrid could take over at the top of La Liga if they can beat Valencia on Sunday and other results go their way.
However, Los Che travel to the Vicente Calderon knowing that victory against the Rojiblancos might propel them into the European places.
Atletico Madrid
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Some observers have questioned the credentials of Atleti and whether Diego Simeone's men can compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona.
However, the Argentine coach welcomed such criticism, suggesting that detractors would help his side grow in stature.
Whether any criticism played a part in firing up the Rojiblancos ahead of their 4-0 Champions League win over Astana in midweek remains to be seen, but he will hope to repeat the trick this weekend.
If they are to extend their unbeaten run to four games, they will likely depend on the scoring exploits of Antoine Griezmann, who netted his fourth league goal of the season against Real Sociedad last weekend, while summer signing Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco also managed to get on the scoresheet.
However, with Luciano Vietto remaining sidelined after appendix surgery, it could place more of the attacking burden on the likes of Jackson Martinez and Fernando Torres.
At the other end, Atleti's defence has proved to be one of the strongest, conceding only four goals in eight games and keeping five clean sheets. Only neighbours Real have let in fewer.
Recent form: LWWLDW
Recent form (all competitions): WLLDWW
Valencia
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Los Che manager Nuno was quick to praise his side's performance after they beat Malaga 3-0 last weekend, describing their display as "very polished".
Combined with a 2-1 win over Gent, it leaves his team coming into this game on the back of four wins from five games.
Valencia's recent results came at a price for Alvaro Negredo, who sat out the midweek Champions League clash, not through injury or suspension, but due to "sporting reasons".
Admittedly, the former Manchester City frontman has netted only once this season, but Nuno felt that he was in a position to drop Negredo.
However, Valencia's team as a whole have struggled for goals in La Liga, scoring only seven times in their first eight outings. The teams who boast inferior records to Los Che occupy four of the bottom five places in the table.
Els Taronges do at least have one of the best defences in the division, with only the two Madrid teams having let in fewer.
Recent form: WDLWLW
Recent form (all competitions): LWWLWW
Team News
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As mentioned, Vietto's injury saw him miss the clash with Astana and the Argentine is a doubt for the match against Los Che.
However, Koke is expected to start for the Rojiblancos after returning to action against Real Sociedad last week.
Meanwhile, Negredo is likely to sit out the game at the Vicente Calderon, having been dropped in midweek.
His absence should mean that Paco Alcacer starts in attack, alongside Santi Mina and Pablo Piatti.
Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:
Sotiriou; Juanfran, Gimenez, Godin, Luis; Correa, Fernandez, Mendes, Koke; Griezmann, Martinez
Valencia possible starting lineup:
Jaume; Cancelo, Mustafi, Santos, Gaya; Parejo, Fuego, Gomes; Mina, Alcacer, Piatti
Head To Head
Valencia have had the better results over previous encounters, with Los Che winning 20 and losing 14 of their meetings with the Rojiblancos.
However, Atleti are unbeaten in their last six at the Calderon, since Valencia won 2-1 in the capital in February 2011.
Seven of the previous 13 clashes between the teams have ended with at least one red card being brandished.
We say: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Valencia
Valencia should provide a stern challenge, with Alcacer likely to provide the biggest attacking threat for Los Che. However, Atleti have largely been in good form and should prove too good for the visitors.
Chris O'Keefe
