| Capital rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid will lock horns in La Liga at the Wanda Metropolitano this weekend. It will be the 162nd league match between the Madrid giants, with Los Blancos leading the head-to-head 86 victories to Atletico's 39, while the remaining 38 fixtures have finished all square. Each of the last four league meetings between the two teams have finished level, including a goalless draw in the corresponding match at the Wanda Metropolitano last season. Atletico currently sit second in La Liga, but are just two points ahead of third-placed Los Blancos, who have been in excellent form in recent weeks. Here, Sports Mole has selected the best team from both squads, using only players available for Saturday afternoon's clash in the Spanish capital.
There is no question that Thibaut Courtois is a fine goalkeeper, but it would be fair to say that the Belgium international has not always been at his best for Madrid this season. On the other hand, Jan Oblak has again been in excellent form for Atletico. The 26-year-old has conceded just 14 La Lig a goals this season, keeping a clean sheet in half of his 22 top-flight appearances. Aside from Manchester United's David de Gea, there is quite probably not a finer goalkeeper in world football. It is not too difficult to pick the two centre-backs when considering the form both have shown this season. Indeed, Atletico captain Diego Godin is an absolute certainty as he continues to produce. The 32-year-old has, once again, played a key role in Atletico boasting an excellent defensive record. Godin is joined by Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos, who has 10 goals in all competitions this season. Ramos still has his doubters, but the Spaniard is an inspirational figure for his club and is currently in a fine run of form. Marcelo's struggles this season have seen Sergio Reguilon enjoy plenty of football for Los Blancos in recent weeks. Left-back is an easy choice in this XI, however, with Atletico's Theo Hernandez selected. The 2018 World Cup winner has contributed one goal and one assist in 15 league appearances this season and plays on the opposite side to Dani Carvajal in this team. Santiago Arias deserves a mention for Atletico, but Carvajal just edges out the Colombian to make up the back four in this combined side. The midfield is comfortably the most difficult area to choose. Controversially, only one Madrid player makes it. Luka Modric was voted the best football er on the planet for 2018 and while his form has not always been at that level this season, the Croatian's performances have been strong in recent weeks. Modric is joined in central midfield by Rodri Hernandez, who joined Atletico from Villarreal last summer. The 22-year-old is having a really fine season, playing in all but three of his team's 22 league matches this term. The likes of Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio, Toni Kroos and Casemiro would all be in contention for this XI if it were purely picked on talent. However, current form has to play a huge role, and injures have harmed Bale and Asensio in recent months. Kroos and Casemiro, meanwhile, have not been at their best. This particular midfield has a lack of serious width, but we are asking Atletico pair Koke and Thomas Partey to play in the wide areas. Atletico are not the same team when Koke does not feature, while 25-year-old Thomas has been inspirational in recent weeks. The Ghana international, who edges out the likes of Thomas Lemar and Angel Correa, would bring athleticism and energy to this particular XI. Further forward, the front two picks itself. Vinicius Junior has been outstanding for Madrid in recent weeks but falls just short, while Diego Costa has not played enough football to be considered. Antoine Griezmann has 16 goals in 31 appearances this season, including 10 in 22 in La Liga. Griezmann is joined in attack by Karim Benzema, who has 18 goals in 36 matches in all competitions this term. Benzema's recent form has been key to Madrid's strong form and the striker is on course for his best scoring campaign since 2015-16. Let's block ads! (Why?)
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February 09, 2019 at 12:24AM | 
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