10 September 2021, 17:37 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Spanish La Liga fixture, RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid, kicks off at 13:00 (GMT+1) on Sunday, September 12 at the RCDE Stadium.
Preview Espanyol La Liga, Sep 12, 2021
Preview RCD Espanyol de Barcelona remain without a victory ahead of this fixture against the La Liga champions after the disappointing 1-0 defeat to RCD Mallorca on the third day of the league at the Son Moix Stadium. An unmarked Dani Rodríguez (27') had the luxury of time to pick a spot for the left-footed shot which eventually separated both sides at fulltime. The defeat leaves Espanyol in 16th place with 2 points on the La Liga table after 0W, 2D, & 1L, which translates to a form that reads: DDL. The 46-year-old, Vicente Moreno, could adopt the 4—4—2 formation once again like he did against Mallorca, despite leaving the Iberostar Stadium with an empty basket. The attacking duo of Raul de Tomás and Landry Dimata could shoulder the goalscoring responsibilities once again. The 23-year-old central midfielder, Yangel Herrera, on loan from Manchester City, is ruled out with a tibia fracture. Sergi Gomez (R. 90'+4) picked up a red in the game against Mallorca and is suspended for this fixture.
Preview Atlético Madrid La Liga, Sep 12, 2021
Preview Champions, Atletico Madrid maintained their unbeaten run after a 2-2 draw against Villarreal on Matchday 3. ATM started the game on the front foot, - taking a total of 13 shots in the first half but failing to find the net. Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco saw his goal-bound effort cleared off the goal-line before the break. But it was the Yellow Submarine that took the lead after a fine 18-yard effort by Manu Trigueros (52') rattled the back of the net. But Villarreal's lead didn’t last long as Luis Suarez (56') struck for the leveler four minutes later. But a resilient Villarreal took the lead once again, this time through Arnaut Danjuma (74'). Following the goal, and with minutes left on the clock, Villarreal thought they had wrapped up the three points until a cushioned-header by Aissa Mandi (90'+5 O.G.) to the keeper found its way into the net, leaving as many as three yellow shirts collapsing to the floor in despair. The draw leaves ATM in 5th place after picking up 7 points from 2W, 1D, & 0L (WWD). A quick return to winning ways will be the aim when Diego Simeone’s side emerges on Matchday 4. Angel Correa and Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco are expected to lead the lines in a 3—5—2 formation. Meanwhile, João Félix is ruled out of this fixture with a knee injury. Atletico Madrid will host F.C. Porto at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League opener.