Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid prediction: How will La Liga derby play out?

Real Madrid travel to the home of arch-rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday evening knowing a victory will bring them clear daylight at the top of La Liga. 

Zinedine Zidane‘s side currently sit one point ahead of Real Sociedad and Atletico, after teenage starlets Vinicius and Rodrygo guided them to victory against Osasuna, with Barcelona lagging in sixth after a stuttering start to their campaign.

Diego Simeone’s squad has been inspired by the money-spinning arrival of Portuguese teenager Joao Felix, who spurred the club to victory against Mallorca in midweek.

Real are undefeated in their last six league meetings against Atletico, however, they have tasted defeat in the Champions League and the Super Cup and another loss could further unsettle Zidane’s unsteady second tenure.

Here is everything you need to know:

Prediction

Despite a positive string of results, Zidane’s Madrid carry a veil of frailty about them as Jose Mourinho’s shadow lingers in the background.

With Barca stumbling, Simeone will smell the chance of a serious grasp at the title and with such a tight defensive unit and the combination of Diego Costa and Felix upfront, they can grind out a hard-fought victory on their notoriously miserly home territory.

Atletico 2-1 Real

Team News

Alvaro Morata will be unavailable to face his former side after receiving two yellow cards within a minute against Mallorca. Thomas Lemar and Sime Vrsaljko are also missing through injury.

Meanwhile, Madrid are still attempting to plug a hole at left-back with Marcelo and Ferland Mendy both injured. Marco Asensio, Brahim Diaz are missing through injury while Luka Modric and Isco await late fitness tests.

Predicted Line-ups:

Atletico: Oblak; Trippier, Savic, Gimenez, Lodi; Saul, Thomas, Koke, Vitolo; Costa, Felix

Real: Courtois; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Nacho; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Hazard, Benzema, Bale

When is it?

Kick-off at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium is at 8pm (BST) on Saturday September 28. 

How can I watch it?

The match will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 2, with coverage starting at 7:55pm.

Odds

Atletico 11/8

Draw 23/10

Real 2/1