Atlético Madrid’s possible line-up vs Real Madrid in today’s LaLiga derby

Atlético Madrid head into the derby with the clear aim of giving their fans something to shout about in what has been a difficult season for Colchoneros. Atlético gave it a good go in their Copa del Rey clash with Real Madrid last month, but ending up succumbing to a controversial extra-time defeat. Now, Los Rojiblancos will try again to end a winless run at the Bernabéu that has lasted for seven years and counting.

No De Paul for Atlético at the Bernabéu

Atlético head coach Diego Simeone will have to do without Rodrigo de Paul, who has become a key figure in the side’s midfield in recent games. The Argentine has been ruled out with injury, as has Geoffrey Kondogbia.

So the make-up of his midfield is Simeone’s chief selection poser. On the right, youngster Pablo Barrios looks like he’ll get another opportunity to shine, after Simeone was impressed by his performance as a substitute against Athletic Club last weekend. ‘El Cholo’ is expected to give the teenage his seventh start since the World Cup, having also played him against Barcelona. In the central midfield, Saúl Ñíguez may be included in the XI for only the seventh time this LaLiga season, the 28-year-old adding lung power to the visitors’ engine room.

Meanwhile, Simeone has an influential player at his disposal that wasn’t available to him when Atleti met Madrid in the Copa: Marcos Llorente. The Spaniard is raring to get one over his former employers, and his head coach is considering pushing him closer to the Madrid box.

Savic for Giménez at the back

In defence, Stefan Savic is in line to replace José María Giménez at centre-back. Despite the multiple suspensions he has incurred in 2023 - including a red card at the Bernabéu - the Montenegrin is ahead of the Uruguayan in the pecking order. The rest of the backline appears to pick itself, with Mario Hermoso in the middle, and Nahuel Molina and Reinildo on the flanks, although Atlético could opt for a five-man defence with Yannick Carrasco adding height on the left.

Atlético Madrid’s potential line-up vs Real Madrid:

Atlético’s line-up against Real Madrid is expected to be: Oblak, Nahuel Molina, Savic, Hermoso, Reinildo, Barrios, Koke, Saúl, Carrasco, Llorente and Griezmann. There would be plenty of firepower on the bench, as Álvaro Morata, Ángel Correa and Memphis Depay would await their opportunity alongside Axel Witsel, Thoms Lemar, Matt Doherty and Giménez.