Matches of the Week: Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad - a podcast by noreply@blogger.com (The Hat Trick)

This week, in La Liga, we have another high table fixture with third place Atletico Madrid coming against seventh place club Real Sociedad. These two teams are looking to continue their winning ways, and get closer to the thriving FC Barcelona. We will be taking a closer look at both teams, their potential key players, expected formations, and pros and cons of each side.

Atletico Striker Antoine Griezmann dribbling past two Real Sociedad defenders

Atletico Madrid:

Coming off of a great draw against Real Madrid, a huge win against Roma in the Champions League, and a destruction of Levante in La Liga this past Sunday, has shown Atletico in a whole new light. Earlier this season, they were unproductive and an entirely different side than we were used to seeing the past two seasons. Key Play-maker Antoine Griezmann finally found shooting ways against the fourteenth placed side, giving a ray of hope for Atletico fans. He will have to be on the top of his game in order for Atletico Madrid to show their threat to the La Liga title. As well, this will be a very important match for Griezmann personally, as he looks to take on his former club in the important La Liga fixture.

FORMATION:
We expect Atletico Madrid to run a typical 4-4-2 set-up, considering that was the formation they ran with against Levante in La Liga. Seasoned defenders Savic and Godin will be playing as the two central defenders, with Filipe Luis and Juanfran playing on the outside, respectively. The middle four typically have two out wide, Yannick Carrasco and Koke seem to be primarily positioned there, yet last match we saw Griezmann play a wider position, and proving well at it. We believe the outside wingers will be Griezmann and Carrasco to start, with Koke able to sub-in and let Griezmann return to the striker position. The center midfielders have remained very uncontested, with Gabi and Niguez dominating the pitch. The two strikers last match were Gamiero and Correa, which we believe will stay for this match, since Griezmann is playing in his new out-wide position.

Key players to watch for Atletico Madrid will be Jan Oblak, who will have a very important task of making sure Real Sociedad doesn't score. Another important figure in the Atletico set-up is, of course, Antoine Griezmann, who needs to be on his A-game in order to provide the creativity and deadly attacking sense that will allow Atletico Madrid to take the lead, and hopefully, the win.

POTENTIAL MAN OF THE MATCH:

Antoine Griezmann

Real Sociedad:

Currently on 5 game unbeaten run including a 1-0 win over Norwegian league champions, Rosenborg BK in the Europa League. While they are in good form, they have yet to be a real threat in La Liga. With just a Goal Difference of +3, Real Sociedad have 19 points and sit in the seventh spot. They will be looking to finally break the barrier and get into European competitions next season, whether that is Europa League or Champions League, it doesn't matter.

FORMATION:

The expected formation for Real Sociedad will be a defensive 4-2-3-1. With Atletico looking dangerous, Real Sociedad will want to make sure they sure up their defense and overload the midfield. The four defenders in front of Rulli, going from left-back to right, will be Alberto de la Bella, Llorente, Elustondo, and Gorosabel. In front of these Four, we see two defensively central midfielders in Illarramendi and Zubeldia. In front of them, giving more of a creative and attacking aspect to the squad is Prieto. With Carlos Vela set to move, we believe Januzaj and Oyarzabal will be giving the side the much needed with against Atletico. Striker Willian Jose will continue to play up top, who has proven very dangerous in the last few matches with 6 goals. Zurutuza could also be making a start in place of Zubeldia in midfield, depending on the team fitness and other conditions.

POTENTIAL MAN OF THE MATCH:

Willian Jose

SCORE PREDICTION:
Atletico Madrid3 - 1Real Sociedad

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