Friday 18/04/2014, 19:30, Spain Primera Division, Round 34, Atletico Madrid vs Elche
Atletico Madrid vs Elche Betting Preview
Atletico Madrid are just five rounds away from winning the Primera Division, as they have a three-point advantage over the runner-ups. Barcelona is four points behind and the two teams will meet in the final round, but if Atletico wins all the other four games, they will already be champions by then. Elche on the other hand, is just four points clear of the relegation area and they face three of the most in-form teams in the remaining matches.
Atletico Madrid vs Elche Betting Odds
At Bet365
Atletico Madrid 1.20, Draw 6.00, Elche 15.00
Atletico Madrid vs Elche Betting Tips
The visitors have a simple strategy for the games played on the road especially when they are pit against better opponents. Manager Fran Escriba has just one mission to fulfill and this is to keep Elche in the Primera Division for at least one more season. So far he did a decent job and with a single defeat in the last four games, he kept his team above the relegation area.
With their main competitors facing mediocre opponents, it is very likely that Elche's cushion will be reduced to fewer points at the end of this weekend. A draw in Madrid would be a huge results for the visitors and that's why they will start with a 5-4-1 starting formation featuring Coro upfront.
He is their most successful striker, despite the fact that he only scored five goals this season, which says a great deal about Elche's offensive. It doesn't help that Manu del Moral is also sidelined with an injury, but more worrisome for the visitors is that two defenders will be missing as well.
By contrast, Atletico Madrid has been outstanding at home throughout the season and won 14 games while staying invincible in front of their fans. With just nine goals allowed in 17 games, they should be more than a match for a team afraid to take any chances and concerned exclusively about defense.
Atletico Madrid will start with Diego Costa and David Villa in the attack, but it is very likely for Costa to be replaced in the second half. He is still recuperating after an injury and Diego Simeone needs him fit to play in the semifinals against Chelsea.
Key Facts
- Atletico Madrid won both home games and scored a total of 6 goals while allowing none
- Over the last 2 months, Elche didn't score two goals in a single match and allowed an average of one goal per game
Atletico Madrid vs Elche Betting Odds Prediction
Atletico Madrid could easily crush Elche if they needed a wide-margin victory, but tonight they are more concerned about how to keep key players safe. I'll chose the Under 2.5 goals bet at even odds with bet365, as I don't expect the visitors to score at Estadio Vicente Calderon.
Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ 2.00 with Bet365
