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MATCH PREVIEW

This is a really big game as we approach the end of this LaLiga season and it will have an impact on matters at both ends of the table. Atletico Madrid’s title dream has faded but after a few favours elsewhere, they are still top of LaLiga and very much masters of their own destiny but nothing short of three points will do here against relegation threatened Elche.

Those points are far from guaranteed though. Despite Elche’s lowly position, they are in great form at the Manuel Martinez Valero. They’ve not lost any of their five home games since Fran Escriba took charge with key victories over Sevilla, Eibar and Levante giving them a fighting chance of beating the drop.

Real Valladolid’s midweek draw meant they slipped back into the bottom three but they are really getting the best out of their abilities at the moment and they will see this as a game they have a genuine chance in. While there is no real star quality in this Elche side, they have settled into what would seem to be a competitive unit with Lucas Boye their most likely goal threat up top.

As for Atletico Madrid, who were so strong during the first half of this season, they head into this game on the back of a damaging 2-1 defeat at San Mames. Even a draw wouldn’t have been a disaster in the circumstances but Inigo Martinez’s late header sealed maximum points for the Basques and cast further doubt on the ability of this Atleti side to finish the job this season.

That potentially decisive trip to Camp Nou comes up next weekend and Diego Simeone will know his team needs to go into it following a better display and with three more points. The good news is that his selection problems have considerably eased with key defenders and forwards fit again and he must decide whether or not to go 3-5-2 here or match Elche’s 4-4-2.

PREDICTION

Elche are in form at home but those recent wins have come in games against an out of sorts Levante, bottom club Eibar and a Sevilla side which featured considerable rotation ahead of their UCL tie. While Atleti have been far from their best, you sense they may just have enough quality to get the job done here with all their key players expected to be available.

Bet Atl. Madrid to win.

Disclaimer: For reference purpose only. All above views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of ASAA88.