LaLiga 2022-2023: Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Red and Whites will look to hold their strong position in the top 4

Atletico Madrid will face Athletic Bilbao, the host have had a full week to prepare for their encounter against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. It is normally a good thing. But, because they are no longer in continental action, they have had a full seven days between their journey to Celta Vigo and this weekend's encounter at the Civitas Metropolitano. A five-game unbeaten streak in LaLiga implies a turning point, but that run includes draws with Almeria and Getafe, as well as 1-0 wins against Osasuna and Celta Vigo. Atletico Madrid still has a lot of work to do this season.

Athletic Bilbao was just about to hold on to the fourth place. When LaLiga took a break for the World Cup in 2022, they claimed one of the Champions League qualification spots, but a bad run of form last month sent the Basque team tumbling down the standings. Athletic failed to win any of their first five post-Qatar matches. Back-to-back draws with Real Betis and Osasuna were followed by three straight losses last month when Athletic was defeated by Real Sociedad, Real Madrid, and Celta Vigo.

Another pair of losses would have dropped Ernesto Valverde's team to mid-table, but they rebounded to win Cadiz (4-1) and Valencia (2-1) in their first two February games. Athletic is now six points behind Atletico Madrid in fourth place. A victory here would keep them in the running for the top four.

Kick-off:

19-02-2023; 5:30 pm GMT, 11:00 pm IST

Atletico Madrid form( all competitions): W-L-W-D-W

Athletic Bilbao form( all competitions): L-W-L-W-W

Players to Watch

Atletico Madrid: Alvaro Morata

The Spanish striker has been on fire this season for the club and country becoming the 4th highest goal scorer in the country behind Fernando Torres, Raul, and David Villa. The striker has scored 7 goals for the club and has 1 assist so far. He is known for his ability to position himself in goalscoring positions and has a very great finishing ability.

Athletic Bilbao: Oihan Sancet

The 22-year-old Spanish striker has been one of the best-emerging talents in the league this season. The player has become the club's top goal scorer this year scoring 8 goals in 21 league games. He is very fast and technically gifted as the player is often seen dribbling past the defenders to create chances for the team.

Match Facts

• Athletic Bilbao's last away win against Atletico Madrid was in 2011.
• Athletic Bilbao has conceded a goal in each of their last 5 matches.
• When playing at home, Atletico Madrid has not lost to Athletic Bilbao in their last 12 encounters.

Injury and Team news

 Atletico Madrid has not reported any injury concerns ahead of Sunday's home game. Simeone may opt for a back three for this match, with Marcos Llorente and Pablo Barrios possibly starting in midfield. Memphis Depay is expected to be named among the substitutes once more, with Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann likely to start up front.

Athletic's Inaki Williams is still out with a hamstring injury, while Inigo Martinez is still recovering from a foot injury. Martinez has not played in Spain's top flight since the beginning of November, and he is expected to be unavailable for selection again in this game. If Inaki Williams is ruled out, Raul Garcia should remain at center-forward.

Head-to-head stats

Matches- 47

Atletico Madrid- 26

Athletic Bilbao- 14

Draws- 7

Predicted lineup

Atletico Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3):Oblak; Reinildo, Savic, Hermoso; Molina, Llorente, Barrios, Koke, Lemar; Griezmann, Morata

Athletic Bilbao predicted lineup (4-3-3):Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Lekue; N Williams, Sancet, Vesga, Muniain, Berenguer; R Garcia

Match Prediction

Atletico's chances of winning are higher than usual, though. If they want to make the playoffs, they need to make the Metropolitano a fortress once again, especially considering Real Sociedad's hot streak and the possibility that only one more Champions League spot is up for grabs.

Prediction: ATM 2-1 ATB

Telecast

India- Sports18 TV channel, Voot, Jio Cinema UK- Via Play, La Liga TVUSA-Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+Nigeria- Canal+ , Super Sport