Atletico Madrid Vs Manchester United Preview: Tactics, Team News, Streaming Sites

The defending La Liga champions Atletico Madrid host Manchester United in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday. Atletico Madrid have struggled to replicate their last season’s form and currently find themselves 5th in the league standings and are therefore focused on simply finishing in the top four this season. Finishing only second to Liverpool in the group, Diego Simeone will expect from his players to show their best form on Wednesday in order to have a chance of progressing into the next round.

On the other hand, Manchester United have also struggled for form in the league this season but are currently on course to finish in fourth place. Their recent form hasn’t been as bad as the Red Devils are on a 9 game unbeaten run winning their last 2 games in the league comfortably. Putting behind the disappointment of their league standing, Manchester United will look to bring their best game on Wednesday with nothing less than a progression to the next round on their mind.

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United Preview

Talking Tactics

Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone is expected to opt for a 4-4-2 formation with Luis Suarez and Joao Felix leading the frontline. Rodrigo De Paul and Koke will play as a midfield two in the centre of the pitch with Lemar and Llorente attacking from the wings. Simeone will want his team to keep it tight at the back by defending deep and then use the pace of his forwards to run behind the United defence to create chances of scoring.

Manchester United

Ralph Rangnick will prefer his usual 4-2-3-1 formation with Cristiano Ronaldo spearheading the attack. Pogba will be used a controller alongside Mctominay in the middle of the park with the likes of Sancho, Rashford and Bruno Fernandes in front of them. United is expected to be patient in their build up play and use the creativity of their inside forwards to score goals.

Team News

Atletico Madrid

Antoine Griezmann is reportedly back in training and is expected to be on the bench and make an impact in the later stages of the game. Daniel Wass will be a confirmed miss for this tie along with Yannick Carrasco who is suspended. Jose Gimenez also suffered an injury in the last game and is ruled out. Matheus Cunhu is also a doubt for the clash.

Manchester United

Edinson Cavani is a guaranteed miss for the Red Devils due to a groin injury. Mason Greenwood is still unavailable for selection after disciplinary actions were taken against him. Other than that, Ralph Rangnick will have a fit squad to choose from on Wednesday.

Predicted Lineups

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Vrsaljko, Savic, Felipe, Reinildo; Llorente, De Paul, Koke, Lemar; Suarez, Felix

Manchester United: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Pogba, McTominay, Fernandes; Rashford, Ronaldo, Sancho

Prediction

Atletico Madrid 1-2 Manchester United

Streaming Sites