Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker:
Hoping to briefly climb to the top of the La Liga table on Friday night, Atletico Madrid will make the trip to a high-flying Las Palmas.
Las Palmas
Starting with the hosts, while Las Palmas might have only made their La Liga return this season, Los Amarillos are enjoying a major top-flight flurry. Making an immediate return to winning ways last weekend as they secured a 2-1 victory away at Almeria, the mood in Garcia Pimienta’s side appears to be at a red-hot high. Gaining a string of praise and opening this weekend’s fixtures battling it out in the top-half of the table, the former Barcelona coach has seen his squad win three of their previous four La Liga showdowns. With that recent purple patch highlighted by a 2-1 win away at Villarreal, Las Palmas will now be desperate to find some much-needed stability on home soil. Last seen in front of their own supporters getting hit with a 1-0 loss at the hands of Rayo Vallecano when returning from October’s international break, it is worth highlighting that Pimienta’s men have won just a pair of their first five top-flight contests at the Estadio Gran Canaria.
Team News
Dealing with a long-term ankle injury and yet to make a single La Liga appearance this season, Las Palmas will once again be without the services of 26-year-old Fabio Gonzalez this weekend. Likewise, Sandro Ramirez is not expected to feature here as the one-time Everton striker still struggles with a recent muscle issue.
While former Barcelona starlet Marc Cardona might have failed to find the net in back-to-back appearances since returning from October’s international break, the 28-year-old should spearhead Las Palmas’ charge on Friday night.
Atletico Madrid
As for the visitors, left disappointed last season as they eventually had to settle for a bronze medal finish among Spain’s elite, Atletico Madrid have their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine title charge this time around. Last seen picking up a 2-1 victory at home against Alaves, Diego Simeone’s men will be more than aware that maximum points on Friday night would briefly see them climb to the top of the La Liga standings. Marking their return from October’s international break with a rampant performance as they cruised their way to a 3-0 romp away at Celta Vigo, the Spanish heavyweights will be desperate to make another statement here. In fact, Atletico have now collected 22 points from just their previous eight appearances across all competitions. With their extended purple patch underlined by a famous 3-1 victory against bitter local rivals Los Blancos back on September 24th, Simeone’s side will be seeking a repeat display this weekend.
Team News
Sill dealing with his latest muscle injury and not making a single appearance since the end of September, Atletico Madrid are expected to once again be without Memphis Depay on Friday night. The Dutch striker will be joined on the sidelines by Thomas Lemar, Reinildo Mandava and Vitolo this weekend.
Notching his sixth La Liga strike of the season against Alaves last weekend, former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata will spearhead Simeone’s charge here. Likewise, already roistering nine goals across all competitions so far this season, Antoine Griezmann will partner Morata in the final third.
Key Factors to Consider
