Atletico Madrid Away CL Preview

I imagine we can expect a much tougher match than the home leg against “Atleti”. We gave them a bit of a drubbing so no doubt pride at least should ensure a more closely fought contest – or… is their moral so low that we will witness another capitulation?

Confirmed qualification for the knockout stage is at stake for us tonight although with maximum points taken so far “Anco” can afford to rest one or two before this weekend’s match against Manchester United. 

Despite reports of Drogba carrying a knock he is in tonight’s squad although I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts on the bench. This would leave us with Anelka plus the option of Kalou or Sturridge. The latter will be itching to play although given Kalou´s recent goal ratio it will probably be the Ivorian who gets the nod. 

I would love to see Joe Cole start and with the possibility of Anco ringing the changes we could well see him run out onto the turf of the Vincente Calderon.

 

We didn’t see much of Aguero´s prodigious talent at the Bridge but tonight, in front of a home crowd could be the occasion when the Argentinean show’s the flair that he is renowned for. 

Atletico have now appointed former Valencia coach Quique Sanchez Flores has replaced Abel Resino who was sacked as manager following the drubbing of the “Madrileños” at the Bridge.