Atletico Madrid vs. Zaragoza preview
Atletico Madrid will look to regain their impressive early season form by playing host to La Liga bottom feeders Zaragoza.
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Atletico were quick out of the gate capturing an early six points from their first two matches in La Liga, but have seen their form and their results slip in recent matches. They were beaten at home over the weekend 2-1 by Barcelona, but managed a tough
1-1 draw away to Valencia, and now sit on seven points just out of the top five. In all fairness to Atletico the schedule has not been kind drawing matches only three nights apart to two of the Spanish league's perennial powerhouses. The schedule has now taken
a turn in their favor as they will lock horns with Zaragoza who currently sit tied for last place in the league standings.
Zaragoza have had trouble getting anything going so far in the league and have managed only two draws from four matches including a 0-0 draw during midweek at home to La Liga newcomers Hercules. Their other draw was also a scoreless one on the opening week
of the season against Deportivo. With losses to Malaga and Racing, two sides occupying spots in the middle of the table, Atletico will present Zaragoza with their stiffest opposition to date – not a good sign for a side looking up at the standings.
Players to watch
The man for Atletico is, and always has been, Diego Forlan. The Uruguayan striker is the beating heart of the Atletico offense. He's been held off the score sheet in Atletico's two most recent matches, and as a result Atletico have failed to get full points.
More notably, out of the lineup for Atletico is veteran defender Tomas Ujfalusi who is suspended after his tackle on Lionel Messi over the weekend which led to the Barcelona superstar being stretchered off injured and which led to Ujfalusi being shown a straight
red card. Sergio Aguero and Tiago could both make returns to the lineup for Atletico as both were out of the lineup over midweek due to minor injuries.
Zaragoza have a few long term injuries including
Victor Laguardia, Ikechukwu Uche, and Jorge Lopez. Their lineup is expected to remain much the same as that which drew 0-0 against Hercules in midweek.
What to expect
One point out of a possible four against some of the toughest competition in the league surely won't seem like enough for Atletico Madrid who come into the season looking for nothing less than a Champions League spot next season. In order to assure
that, dropping points to the likes of Zaragoza will be seen as unacceptable. Forlan and friends will be able to create far too many chances for Zaragoza to be able to contain. It won't come easy, but Atletico will get the three points with a 1-0 victory.
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