FRIENDLY | BRIGHTON - ATLÉTICO DE MADRID
El Cholo's Atlético facing their Waterloo in Brighton
After beating Liverpool to win the Audi Cup, Simeone's team face Brighton at the Amex stadium this evening. Filipe and Vrsaljko did not travel with the squad.
When Brighton and Hove Albion confirmed this evening's friendly against Atleti, the was a palpable buzz in the city - the kind of frenzy the southern city experienced when Pink Floyd played Dark Side of the Moon at the Dome for the very first time, or when ABBA belted out Waterloo at the XIX Eurovision Song Contest, held at the same venue two years later. The Who's epic Mod drama Quadrophenia was filmed here. There's a similar feeling in the air as Atlético prepare for their third friendly in six days, at a sell-out Amex stadium.
Brighton rocks with Atlético visit
Expectation is high for a team who have made their return to the Premier League for the first time since they were relegated from the top flight 34 years ago in 1983. For Chris Hughton's Albion, this friendly will also be a showcase match, which will broadcast free-to-air in Spain and Portugal and availble to watch live in 14 other countries around the world.
Knockaert ruled out
Captained by former Valencia player Bruno, Brighton remain unbeaten so far in this pre-season. But they will be without one of their star players today - Anthony Knockaert is recovering from an ankle injury he suffered at the start of the summer and will be rested.
Defensive pair left at home
Diego Simeone has taken 20 players for the trip and this fourth friendly of the pre-season and the third in six days.Filipe Luis has been left at home for precaution. Vrsaljko is also back in Madrid but El Cholo will probably start with Lucas or Sergi in the left-back position. Thomas, who impressed in the Audi Cup may well have earned his place in the starting XI. Up front, it looks like Griezmann and Torres will pair up with Simeone trying out a 4-4-2 set-up.
