Atlético Madrid Vs Espanyol: Lookman in predicted XI as Simeone seeks response
Atletico Madrid prepares to host Espanyol at the Metropolitano, with the clash billed for 8pm BST on Saturday, 21st February and the fixture listed as atlético madrid vs espanyol in weekend previews. The projected team news and recent form give the game immediate importance for both sides.
All out for the win against Espanyol
Diego Simeone’s side sit fourth with 45 points from 24 games, while Espanyol are sixth on 35 points from the same number of matches, leaving little margin for error at the Metropolitano. The match comes after Atletico’s 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey on 12 February and a 3-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano three days later, a sequence that underlines the team’s recent inconsistency.
Atlético Madrid Vs Espanyol – Predicted lineup and team news
Manolo Gonzalez has yet to lose against Simeone, holding two draws and one win from their three prior meetings, a head-to-head stat that adds an extra edge to the encounter. Atletico’s latest European outing saw them throw away a two-goal lead and draw 3-3 with Club Brugge on 18 February.
Injuries, suspensions and returns
Nicolas González is still out injured, while Pablo Barrios remains sidelined with a right thigh muscle issue and has missed recent matches. Midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza is suspended because of yellow-card accumulation and will not be available. On the positive side, Álex Baena and José María Giménez are back to full fitness and are in contention to play at the Metropolitano.
Possible XI and tactical notes
The possible Atletico Madrid starting XI named in previews is:
- Oblak; Llorente, Lenglet, Gimenez, Hancko; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman; Baena; Alvarez
Lookman is highlighted in match build-ups; other selections reflect the returns of Giménez and Baena to contention after knocks.
Broadcast and next step
In the UK, supporters can watch Atletico Madrid vs Espanyol live on Disney+. Two other items in the weekend feed carried the headline "Just a moment... " on their pages; unclear in the provided context whether those were placeholders or content holds.
The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Saturday, 21st February. Team sheets and final confirmations are expected before kickoff.
