ATLÉTICO MADRID
How Atlético Madrid could line up against Real Madrid in the Madrid derby
Diego Simeone has announced his squad for tonight’s derby at the Bernabéu.
Diego Pablo Simeone has announced his squad for the Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernabéu. The biggest news for Atlético is that Álvaro Morata returns and could be in the starting line-up against Real Madrid on Sunday.
The club’s new signing Gabriel Paulista is one of the five defenders that Simeone has called into the squad and he could make his debut after completing a move from Valencia earlier in the week.
Jan Oblak will take his place between the sticks and in front of him will be Mario Hermoso, Stefan Savic and Axel Witsel, with Nahuel Molina and Samuel Lino operating as the wing-backs in what should be an entertaining evening in the Spanish capital.
Vermeeren
Atlético’s big winter signing was Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren, who made his debut in the win over Rayo Vallecano and he could get another chance in his first ever game with his new club against Real Madrid.
Simeone could opt for Pablo Barrios in midfield alongside Rodrigo de Paul, and one of Koke or Saúl. Morata should get the nod up front, where he will partner the brilliant Antoine Griezmann if he starts.
Ten points separate Los Rojiblancos and Real Madrid, and Atlético will be looking to win against their cross-city rivals for the third time this season. A win against Los Blancos would see them close the gap on Madrid and Girona, who drew last night, as well as Barcelona, who beat Alavés on Saturday.