Match Preview

Just a couple of weeks removed from the Supercopa de España win, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid once again face each other in an El Derbi match on Saturday. Both previous derbies this season have ended in 0-0 draws in full time, with the Supercopa match going to penalties.

Real Madrid are looking to continue their 20 match win streak across all competitions, 12 of those matches being in La Liga. Real also have not lost in their last seven El Derbi matches, but Atlético are also unbeaten in their last six visits to the Bernabeu.

It has not been a steady season for Atlético, despite currently being tied on points for fourth in the league. They’re anemic when it comes to offense, they’ve scored just as many goals as Mallorca. However we know how stellar they are on the defensive side of the ball, which is why they can force so many draws.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid will be without Eden Hazard, though he has returned to full training. Gareth Bale is also out of the squad still dealing with his injury. Nacho, Brahim and Rodrygo have also been left off Saturday’s squad.

Atlético have not released their squad as of writing, but they suffer a big loss of not having João Félix available for this match. They will likely be without Diego Costa, Jose Gimenez and Koke. Kieran Trippier is also questionable. The returning Yannick Carrasco will also likely not play since he has not fully trained with the team in time.

There are no suspensions for either side in this El Derbi matchup.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Valverde, Casemiro, Kroos; Modric, Isco; Benzema

Carvajal start back in La Liga after serving suspension last weekend against Valladolid.

With Rodrygo not available, we could see a similar formation to the 4-3-2-1 that Zidane used against Atlético in the Supercopa Final. This also gets Valverde back in the starting formation. James could also be an option to start.

Atlético Madrid

Oblak; Vrsaljko, Savic, Felipe, Lodi; Partey, Herrera, Llorente, Saul; Correa, Morata

Prediction

Real Madrid—Atlético Madrid 0-0

Just based on how these last two derbies have gone this season, I can absolutely see Saturday’s match being no different. I don’t expect much in the way of goals this time around either.

Both of these clubs have been unbeaten in the last handful of derbies held at the Bernabeu, so that’s a contributing factor to a draw prediction as well. It should be expected to be a defensive duel rather than an offensive shootout.

Real need a result to continue being top of the league through the weekend. Although, this would be the perfect match to finally get a win over Atlético to continue holding several points over Barcelona.

These derbies are always fun and stressful. Tomorrow should be no different no matter how the match actually fares.