Koke and Lucas Vázquez, key cogs in the derby wheels
This evening's derby is likely to be won and lost in midfield. It will be intriguing to see how both coaches set up, with Atlético's deployment of Koke, criticised by club captain Gabi this week, and Lucas Vázquez, who is set to start ahead of the injured Karim Benzema.
The tactical scenarios are the following:
A 4-1-4-1, with Koke further up the pitch
This option would see Gabi shielding the defence. Koke would be relieved of his high pressing duties and would join Griezmann in a more attacking, playmaker-type position. This would mean Atlético could try to steal the ball and hit Madrid on the counter using the pace of Carrasco and Gameiro's creative spark.
A 4-4-2. Gabi with Koke
In this formation, Atlético would put more pressure on Madrid, closing down space. This system would see Koke in the middle with Gabi, with support from Saúl and Carrasco on either side. Griezmann would play in advanced position with Gameiro to ruffle feathers in the Madrid defence. Torres would be their plan B.
More control with Lucas Vázquez
Zidane has said he won't change the system, which suggests he will go with a 4-3-3. If Lucas Vázquez starts ahead of Benzema Madrid would gain control in the centre of the park, with Vázquez tracking back to help out in defensive areas and to win the ball back in the absence of Kroos and Casemiro. This system could morph into more of a 4-4-2, which would leave Ronaldo as a lone striker with Bale on the left.
