Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid: likely lineups per sports press

Espanyol: Fortuño, Riedel and Urko are the main doubts

RCD Espanyol

La Cadena SER is backing a starting XI made up of Fortuño; Omar El Hilali, Riedel, Cabrera, Hartman; Pol Lozano, Edu Expósito, Javi Hernández; Dolan, Bryan Zaragoza and Roberto Fernández.

The main difference from the preview published by Comuniate is in the midfield and the defence. Our forecast includes the possibility that Drkusic comes in for Riedel to provide greater defensive solidity, while Urko could pair up with Pol Lozano in the double pivot, leaving a spot in the number ten role for Edu Expósito or Javi Hernández.

Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo has highlighted Fortuño's strong performance against Málaga, quoting praise from Manolo González and Pol Lozano. That information strengthens his chances of repeating as a starter. The same newspaper also pointed to Riedel's inconsistency in the last match, especially in the action that led to the draw.

The AS newspaper also stressed Fortuño's security and Bryan Zaragoza's good game against Málaga. So, even though there is plenty of agreement in attack, the main fantasy uncertainties are in the goal, the centre-back pairing and the midfield.

Atletico: agreement with the SER, but Simeone has options

Atlético de Madrid

La Cadena SER predicts the following lineup: Oblak; Pubill, Cuti Romero, Hancko, Grimaldo; Marcos Llorente, Hjulmand, Álex Baena; Giuliano Simeone, Lookman and Jonathan David.

A forecast that shows plenty of overlap with Comuniate, although our analysis keeps several positions open. In defence, Pubill and Hancko raise doubts depending on the formation chosen. In midfield, Hjulmand is competing with Cardoso, while Koke could come in for Baena. In attack, the main alternative to Lookman would be Julián Álvarez.

AS has put the spotlight on the huge competition within the rojiblanco squad. According to its analysis, Jonathan David, Lookman, Hjulmand and Pubill are aiming to regain prominence after not starting against Manchester United. That situation supports the possibility of Simeone introducing rotations.

In addition, AS reported that Koke worked in the gym during Thursday's session, while Johnny Cardoso did not train due to a minor indisposition. Two circumstances that increase uncertainty in midfield and could favour Hjulmand's presence.