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After playing out a drab stalemate against Barcelona in their last match, league leaders Atletico will be keen to get back to winning ways when they host Real Sociedad.
Diego Simeone’s men have been the most consistent and solid side in La Liga this season. They haven’t won all the matches convincingly, but their relentless defence has often bailed them out with slender leads. So now the equation is simple for Atletico as they need to win their remaining three games to win the league. However, this will be the real test of nerves for the players as the stakes are high, and the pressure will be on them to be the hero for their team.
But it won’t be that easy as Real Sociedad have been on an upward run and has earned some valuable points winning three of their last four league matches. Although they lost 0-1 to Huesa, they came back in the last game to defeat Elche 2-0 on their home turf. Imanol Alguacil’s team have been unpredictable this season and hence the huge rift from the top four teams in the league. However, Sociedad are in the Europa League spot, and that is mostly due to the heroics of Mikel Oyarzabal and Alexander Isak.
Coming to team news, Simeone have some concerns as he will be without the services of Frenchman midfielder Thomas Lemar who started against Barca. The Frenchman was subbed out 10 minutes into the game due to a concern on his ankle. Along with him, Brazilian full-back Renan Lodi is another player who is a doubt for this game.
Simeone may freshen things up by starting with Joao Felix alongside Luis Suarez. Defender Jose Gimenez, who was on the bench against Barcelona, may just be available for selection.
For Real Sociedad, the biggest miss will be the unavailability of midfielder Mikel Merino. The Spanish midfielder is out since March, and that has been a big blow for La Real. However, the good news will be if their experienced defence Igor Zubeldia returns to the starting eleven completely fit.
The last time these two sides met was back in December last year, and there Simeone’s men ran riot with a comfortable 0-2 win away from home.
Key Players
Luis Suarez is going through a rough phase where he has had goalless games in the last five matches. However, this is the ideal time for him to score and break the jinx. The Uruguayan has been a great acquisition for the Rojiblancos this season as he has netted 19 goals and has been a nightmare for the opposition defenders. His primary threat is his work rate and also his ability to play an active role in the buildup. Suarez is known for his sharp goal-scoring instincts, which the Uruguayan needs to find in this fixture.
Yannick Carrasco was bossing the left channel against Barcelona in the previous game. Every time the ball went to Carrasco, it looked like a threatening play mainly because of his blistering speed and exceptional dribbling. He has netted five goals along with eight assists this season and it is mostly because Simeone likes to use him as a left wing-back. Hence he has been more of a facilitator, which is exactly what he needs to do in these matches.
Mikel Oyarzabal has been a trailblazer for the White and Blues this season. The Spanish midfielder has netted 11 goals along with seven assists but his overall impact cannot be judged by statistics. He has been the creative nucleus of this team and has had a great understanding with Isak upfront. The Spaniard has that capability of opening up defences with his vision and accurate passing and also can take on defenders at will.
Alexander Isak has found his home at San Sebastian and has been in fiery form this season. The Swedish striker has scored 14 goals this season and is the highest goalscorer for La Real till now. Despite being only 21, Isak is very intelligent with his movements near the final third. He often bamboozles defenders with his positioning and movement. He is someone who drops back to help out the midfielders in the buildup and can also turn into a facilitator if the situation demands. He will be the primary threat for Atletico Madrid.
Prediction
There is hardly anything to choose from in terms of the form that both sides bring to this encounter. Hence it will be a lot more about desire and hunger to win the match and secure all three points. So Atletico will start as favorites, but if they blow up their chances just like they did against Barcelona, we are in for an exciting match-up.
