Atletico Madrid vs Girona Prediction: Diego is near perfection

First appointed in 2011, Diego Simeone has been at the helm of Atletico Madrid for a decade and some change. He is considered as one of the most defensive coaches in world football, having played second fiddle to Real Madrid and Barcelona over the years. However, this season he looks like he is set to challenge for silverware once again. 

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Diego Sineone will have a full compliment of players coming into this match. He is expected to give Julian Alvarez a full home debut against Girona. The other Premier League arrival, Conor Gallagher is expected to start from the bench but he may feature as the match plays out.

Coach Michel has no injuries to worry about so he is expected to field a similar side t0 the one we saw on match day one with a few tweaks.

Atletico Madrid's Predicted Line-up (3-4-2-1): Oblate, Azpilicueta, Gimenez, Le Normand, Riquelme, Barrios, de Paul, Llorente, Lino, Griezmann, Alvarez

Girona's Predicted Line-up (4-3-3): Gazzaniga, Gutierrez, Blind, Lopez, Martinez, Herrera, Romeu, Martin, Gil, Ruiz, Portu

3 Way - Atletico Madrid 57/100

Atletico Madrid come into this game with no losses in their last six matches. This includes a spot less preseason campaign where they picked up wins against Juventus, Gatafe and Kitchee. They have tried their best to be at the top of their game ahead of the season's start. However, their opening day was very disappointing after they failed to win away to Villarreal. A Koke own goal gave Villarreal the lead and disrupted Atletico's rhythm as they went behind for a second time in the match.

Diego's Atletico Madrid ended last season behind Girona in the league standing. The five point gap between the two sides was enough to see the gulf in quality between these two sides. However, Key talents have left Girona for greener pastures as Artem Dovbyk, Aleix Gracia and Pau Victor have all left the club. There has been some recruits however, it will take some time for them to gel into the side like we saw on match day one. Girona conceded an early goal against Betis as Marc Bartra gave Betis the lead in the sixth minute. It took a 72 minute strike from Misehouy to level matters.

Girona has failed to keep a clean sheet against Atletico Madrid in each of their last 20 meetings, They are also on a run. of three matches without a win. This form is carried over from pre season where they lost to Premier League Clubs, Bournemouth 3-2 and Newcastle United 4-0. Their win against Napoli 2-0 was their only win of preseason. They out of sorts at the moment.

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