Atl. Madrid Vs Alavés

Atletico Madrid will look to extend their winning streak to five matches across all competitions as they host Deportivo Alaves in a La Liga clash at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday afternoon. This fixture marks an opportunity for Diego Simeone's men to maintain their strong league form and close the gap on the teams above them in the standings. Meanwhile, Alaves will be aiming to upset their formidable hosts and move further away from the relegation zone.

Currently, Atletico Madrid sits third in the La Liga table, with 26 points from 13 games, trailing second-placed Real Madrid by just a point and league leaders Barcelona by seven. Alaves, on the other hand, occupy 15th position, precariously three points clear of the drop zone.

Atletico Madrid's campaign under Diego Simeone has been a mix of resilience and setbacks. While their Champions League journey has seen its fair share of struggles—including heavy defeats against Benfica and Lille—they have been a different beast domestically. The team has displayed remarkable solidity in La Liga, earning 26 points from seven wins, five draws, and just one loss in their opening 13 games.

Despite their defensive stability, Atletico’s attack has been less prolific. The side has managed only 19 goals so far, the joint-fifth-best record in the league. However, their defensive prowess stands out; the team boasts the tightest defense in La Liga, having conceded just seven goals. Simeone's ability to organize his backline has once again been a cornerstone of Atletico's success, helping them remain competitive even in challenging matches.

The Red and Whites headed into the November international break on a high note, with four consecutive victories. A crucial 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League not only boosted their European hopes but also showcased their ability to rise to the occasion. This victory came after back-to-back Champions League defeats to Benfica and Lille in October, underscoring the importance of the result.

In La Liga, Atletico’s last outing was a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mallorca, further solidifying their standing as one of the league's top contenders. Importantly, their home form has been impeccable. The capital club remains unbeaten at the Wanda Metropolitano in La Liga this season, collecting 14 points from six matches. This fortress-like form at home will undoubtedly make them confident against an Alaves side that has struggled on the road.

Alaves approach this encounter in stark contrast to their opponents. The Basque side, managed by Luis Garcia, finds itself in the lower reaches of the table with just 13 points from 13 matches. With a record of four wins, one draw, and eight losses, Alaves has had an inconsistent campaign. Their tally of eight defeats is the highest in La Liga, but their four victories offer some encouragement as they aim to steer clear of relegation danger.

Last season, Alaves finished 10th in La Liga, and their current struggles represent a step backward. However, the club's ability to remain in Spain's top flight for eight of the last nine seasons highlights their resilience. This season, though, their struggles have been particularly evident in away games. Alaves have managed only one win on the road in La Liga, earning just three points from seven away fixtures. Their defensive frailties on the road are also glaring, with 15 goals conceded in those matches.

Alaves’ form leading into this match has been mixed. They ended October with a narrow 1-0 Copa del Rey victory over Compostela and followed it up with another 1-0 win against Mallorca in La Liga. However, their momentum was halted by a heavy 3-0 defeat to Villarreal before the November international break. This inconsistency encapsulates Alaves' season so far—a mix of occasional highs overshadowed by recurring setbacks.

Despite their struggles, Alaves will take heart from their most recent meeting with Atletico Madrid. In April, the Basque side secured a surprising 2-0 victory, demonstrating that they are capable of pulling off upsets against stronger opponents. However, replicating such a performance at the Wanda Metropolitano, where Atletico have been dominant, will be a daunting task.

For Atletico Madrid, this match represents a chance to assert their dominance and continue their impressive home form. Simeone's tactical setup is expected to emphasize defensive solidity and quick transitions. Players like Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata will play crucial roles in breaking down Alaves’ defense, while Koke’s creativity in midfield could unlock opportunities.

At the back, Jan Oblak remains a pivotal figure, orchestrating the defense that has been the best in the league. Mario Hermoso and Stefan Savić will anchor the backline, tasked with nullifying Alaves’ limited attacking threat.

For Alaves, the game plan will likely revolve around frustrating Atletico and exploiting opportunities on the counterattack. Luis Garcia may look to forward options like Luis Rioja and Samu Omorodion to provide the attacking spark. Defensively, Alaves will rely heavily on Antonio Sivera in goal to withstand Atletico’s pressure and keep the game within reach.

Atletico Madrid’s current position in the league underlines their title ambitions. While a seven-point gap to Barcelona is significant, Simeone's men will aim to chip away at the deficit by maintaining consistency, particularly in winnable games like this one. The return of Champions League action after the international break also means that Atletico will need to manage their squad carefully to sustain their performances across competitions.

Alaves, meanwhile, have a different set of priorities. Sitting just three points above the relegation zone, their immediate focus is on accumulating points to avoid being dragged further into the survival scrap. A positive result against Atletico, even a draw, could provide a much-needed morale boost as they navigate the challenges of the season.

Given Atletico Madrid’s formidable home form and superior squad quality, they enter this match as clear favorites. Alaves’ struggles on the road and their defensive vulnerabilities further tilt the odds in Atletico’s favor. However, football often defies expectations, and Alaves’ recent success against Atletico serves as a reminder that upsets are possible.

For Atletico, a clinical performance could see them secure another crucial three points and maintain their push for the title. For Alaves, even a resilient defensive display would be considered a success as they aim to keep their heads above the relegation waters.

Expect a tightly contested match, with Atletico’s quality likely proving decisive in the end. A 2-0 or 3-0 scoreline in favor of the hosts seems a plausible outcome, reaffirming their status as one of La Liga’s top teams this season.