Simeone tests a revamped XI to face Deportivo

Atlético de Madrid

This Friday, Atlético de Madrid completed their final training session before hosting Deportivo de La Coruña this Saturday, October 24, at 9:00 p.m. at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Diego Pablo Simeone is working on a lineup that looks very familiar, although there may be changes from the team that drew with Stuttgart in the Champions League.

According to reports from the tactical drills, the Argentine coach would have tested the following XI:

Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Dávid Hancko, Alejandro Grimaldo; Kang-in Lee, Pablo Barrios, Morten Hjulmand, Álex Baena; Ademola Lookman and Julián Álvarez.

This setup would involve two changes from the lineup that started the European match: Kang-in Lee and Lookman would come in for Giuliano Simeone and Jonathan David. However, there is still uncertainty about the final makeup of the attack, especially due to the competition between Giuliano and the South Korean player.

Kang-in Lee returns and Lookman takes on more prominence

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One of the main positive developments for Simeone is the progress of Kang-in Lee, who had been carrying a knock in his quadriceps and was unable to take part in the European tie against Stuttgart. The forward has returned to training with his teammates and has options to go straight back into the starting XI.

Also gaining momentum is Ademola Lookman, who could partner Julián Álvarez up front, leaving Jonathan David as an option from the bench.

In midfield, Morten Hjulmand and Pablo Barrios are shaping up as the likely starting pair. The Dane will be available despite his recent sending off against Stuttgart, as the suspension affects the Champions League and does not prevent him from playing the league match.

Three confirmed absences for Simeone

The rojiblanco coach will have to face the match without Koke, Cuti Romero and Johnny Cardoso, all three missing from this Friday's training session.

Cardoso's situation is especially delicate. He suffered a muscular injury in his thigh during the European match, further reducing Simeone's options in the middle of the pitch.

Fantasy key points for the possible XI

If the tested lineup is confirmed, Kang-in Lee and Lookman would be the main beneficiaries of the changes, while Giuliano Simeone and Jonathan David would lose some of their starting prominence.

Meanwhile, Hjulmand and Barrios gain more security as starters given the absences in midfield. In defense, everything points to Simeone keeping the back line made up of Llorente, Pubill, Hancko and Grimaldo.

Atlético, second in the standings with 22 points, will look to extend their good run in LaLiga against a Deportivo side that sits in the middle of the table. Simeone will have the final say on the definitive XI before Saturday's match.