La Liga Preview: Numancia - Atletico Madrid

Numancia and Atletico Madrid will be hoping to build on impressive victories when they meet at Los Pajaritos on Sunday night.

On A High

There have not been many moments of joy for Numancia this season, but last weekend brought smiles to their faithful as they enjoyed a fantastic 4-3 win at Espanyol. It was only their third win of the season, but more importantly, the occasion marked the first points Numancia have picked up on their travels, a sign that they are coming to terms with the top flight.

Having won La Segunda last season, most experts expected Numancia to be the promoted team that would fare the best in the big time, but the opposite has transpired, with Sporting Gijon and Malaga looking considerably more comfortable. The glaring problem for Los Rojillos is their defence, with their tally of 24 goals conceded being the second highest in La Liga. As a result, they find themselves in 17th place, just one point away from the drop zone.

A glance at Numancia's squad reveals that it is composed solely of Spanish players, with Croatian coach Sergio Kresic being the only foreign influence. While this undoubtedly contributes to team unity, the lack of quality imports is certainly telling. Numancia lack that extra touch of class and creativity that the very best players from other shores can sometimes bring, and this could be their downfall come the end of the campaign.

Consistent Inconsistency

Atletico Madrid are one of the most unpredictable teams ever to exist, but their inconsistency is always guaranteed. This season has been no different, with two draws and four defeats leaving Atleti in sixth position, the sort of frustrating standing with which they are all too familiar.

Having finally reached the Champions League after a lengthy absence last season, many expected Atleti to take the next step and seriously challenge for the title this year. While it is perhaps too early to write them off completely, it is hard to imagine any sane person putting money on them making up the 11 point gap to leaders Barcelona. The added strain of a Champions League campaign is also likely to take it's toll.

The root of Atletico's problems stems from a three week period in which they lost to Sevilla, Barcelona and Real Madrid. They have only suffered one loss apart from those (to Valladolid), indicating that they have enough power to overcome the "lesser" opponents. They will need all their strength to prepare them for what is traditionally a hostile environment for visiting teams.

FORM GUIDE

Numancia

WON 4-3 (A) Espanyol (La Liga Matchday 11, November 16)

LOST 2-0 (A) Sporting Gijon (Copa Del Rey Round of 32 Second Leg, November 11)

LOST 2-4 (H) Real Betis (La Liga Matchday 10, November 9)

LOST 3-1 (A) Sporting Gijon (La Liga Matchday 9, November 2)

LOST 1-0 (H) Sporting Gijon (Copa Del Rey Round of 32 First Leg, October 28)

Atletico Madrid

WON 4-1 (H) Deportivo La Coruna (La Liga Matchday 11, November 16)

DREW 0-0 (H) Orihuela (Copa Del Rey Round of 32 Second Leg, November 12)

DREW 0-0 (A) Osasuna (La Liga Matchday 10, November 9)

DREW 1-1 (A) Liverpool (UEFA Champions League Group Stage Matchday 4, November 4)

WON 2-0 (H) Mallorca ( La Liga Matchday 9, November 1)

TEAM NEWS

Numancia

Numancia will be without Sergio Ortega, who was injured in the win at Espanyol. Apart from that, Sergio Kresic has a full squad to pick from.

Probable Starting XI - Juan Pablo - Pavon, Juanma, Boris, Nagore - Quero, Moreno, Barkero, Cisma - Del Pino, Goiria

Atletico Madrid

The only real injury concern for Atleti is Antonio Lopez, who has been suffering from vertigo. Sergio Aguero had to leave Argentina's squad in Scotland to fly back to his girlfriend (Diego Maradona's daughter, coincidentally) who is experiencing "pregnancy problems." He should still take part.

Probable Starting XI - Leo Franco - Perea, Heitinga, Ujfalusi, Pernia - Maxi Rodriguez, Maniche, Raul Garcia, Simao - Forlan, Aguero

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Numancia - Juan Pablo Del Pino has the responsibility of leading the Numancia line, but he has contributed just one goal so far this term. He will have to start finding the back of the net soon if Numancia are to remain in the top flight.

Atletico Madrid - While Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan grab all the headlines for Atleti, Maxi Rodriguez is the true heart of the team, and all their play is structured through him. When Maxi plays well, Atleti usually win.

PREDICTION

Coming off a convincing victory, playing against a team at the bottom of the table, this is exactly the sort of match Atleti love to throw away. Numancia, however, lack the requisite firepower to take the three points. These factors combined should contribute to a draw that will do no favours to either team.

Numancia 2-2 Atletico Madrid


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