Atletico Madrid vs Valencia
Atletico Madrid’s big aim is to maintain their lead at the top of La Liga when they entertain Valencia in a Sunday kick-off at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
It’s been a stellar season so far for Diego Simeone’s team, and this match, La Liga: Atletico Madrid vs Valencia, presents Los Rojiblancos with another opportunity to stake their claim for the 2020/21 title. They face a Valencia side which has been on a poor run, winless in eight league games until recently, but Javi Gracia’s side has begun to recapture some form.
It promises to be a fascinating clash, and here at SBOTOP you can get the best range of Asian Handicap betting options, along with all the latest Atletico Madrid vs Valencia betting odds right now. We’re backing Diego Simeone’s team to continue their march towards glory on Sunday but, for now, let’s take a look at the two teams, some pre-match news and their form.
Talking Points
Atletico appeal for Trippier
Los Rojiblancos have lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport to suspend Kieran Trippier’s ban, received for breaching betting rules. The influential wing-back was handed a fine and ten-match suspension by the FA for passing on information about his 2019 transfer from Spurs to Madrid.
The England man has appeared since, as Atleti succeeded, two weeks ago, in persuading FIFA to postpone the ban, but on Monday they failed to convince FIFA to reduce or remove the ban, so the court of arbitration is now involved. Trippier is a key player, with a sound defensive game and a brilliant delivery which provides plenty of assists for Atleti, but he is now at risk of missing nine more games.
If Atleti fail to get the punishment overturned it will be a blow, but not terminal as Simeone has put together a team with a tight defensive system, a gifted set of midfielders and some lethal strikers. Captain Koke, Saul Niguez and winger Angel Correa, who has four assists, are all capable of feeding a strike force spearheaded by the in-form Luis Suarez.
Los Rojiblancos moved quickly in the transfer market to secure the services of Moussa Dembele on loan from Lyon, but with the striker still working his way towards match fitness, Suarez will likely be partnered by Joao Felix.
Gracia remains under the spotlight
Valencia head coach Javi Gracia has been under serious pressure at the Mestalla after an encouraging start to the league season fell away badly when the winter months set in.
Los Che drew 1-1 at home to Osasuna on Thursday night, on the back of a three-match winning streak, and that doesn’t sound too bad. But two Copa del Rey victories over lower-division opposition haven’t masked a disappointing run in La Liga. Midfield man Carlos Soler scored the only goal in Valencia’s 1-0 victory away to Real Valladolid in the game sandwiched by the Copa wins, but it was the first league victory in nine games, a run stretching back to early November, which saw Los Che drop to 14th place in La Liga and just two points above the drop zone.
But this side can turn it on when they’re on their game. Their last victory before the winless streak was a 4-1 humiliation of Real Madrid, so Los Rojiblancos beware!
Gracia is looking for reinforcements in the January transfer window and has enquired about the availability of Spurs’ midfielder Harry Winks and Arsenal’s Lucas Torreira. Either would work well alongside Soler who has provided four assists so far this season.
History
The head to head Atletico Madrid vs Valencia results could hardly be closer, with Los Rojiblancos edging the games played since 1993, by 21 victories to 20.
Atleti have not lost to Valencia at the Wanda Metropolitano in the last 11 meetings, though the last time the two teams encountered each other in Madrid, back in October 2019, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
More recently an own goal, courtesy of Valencia defender Latorre Grueso, gave Atletico a 0-1 victory at the Mestalla late in November, right at the start of Los Che’s barren run.
Betting Tip
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Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla | Atletico Madrid First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.05 |
| January 25, 04:00 (GMT+8) |
Atleti are at 1.44 to win this game, with Valencia at 6.80 and the draw is at 4.30.
One of Atleti’s games in hand on their title rivals was scheduled away to Eibar on Thursday night, and with this fixture coming just three days later there is little time to rest.
But Los Rojiblancos’ all-round strength and steely determination should be too much for the visitors, and I think they may strike early.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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