Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid betting tips, predictions, lineups and free bets (Copa Del Rey - 7/1/2015)

Wednesday, 07 January 2015 16:34
Written by David Bet

The first Madrid Derby of year 2015 is a Copa Del rey clash at Vincente Calderon on 7th January as Atletico host Real Madrid in a most anticipated battle between the European (and World Champions) and La Liga title holders. Find below our Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid match preview with betting odds, probable lineups, tips, predictions, free bets and no deposit bonuses.

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ATLETICO MADRID v REAL MADRID BETTING PREVIEW

Atletico Madrid picked up 2 straight wins in La Liga and now the defending champions sit just 1 point back from their local rivals with 1 more game played. They progressed to this stage of the Copa Del Rey with a narrow aggregate win over minnows CE L’Hospitalet, who earned an historic 2-2 draw against the Vicente Calderon giants.

Los Colchoneros' hero Fernando Torres is expected to make his first appearance since his return. Diego Simeone is expected to make further changes to his starting line-up. With the form of Antoine Griezmann - who has scored five goals in his last two games - it looks unlikely that he will dislodge the French forward from his starting position. Joao Miranda and Cristian Ansaldi are still out throigh injury.

Real Madrid saw their 22-match win streak snapped last time out as they lost 2:1 to Valencia despite a one goal lead in the first half. Furthermore, they Blancos recorded a 4-2 friendly loss to AC Milan in Dubai few days before. Funny enough, that last defeat in a competitive match came at the hands of Atletico Madrid early this season.

Sami Khedira, Raphael Varane and Keylor Navas are pushing for starting places while Gareth Bale looking to be given another opportunity after his subpar performance at the Mestella. Anyway, we expect Ancelotti to choose Jese for a starting berth up front with Ronaldo and Benzema. Croatian star Luka Modric is the only long-term absence.

Atletico have lost just one of their 14 home games in all competitions this campaign and they have an extra day's rest working in their favour here, given that they last played on January 3 and the Galacticos played January 4. Real eliminated their neighbours out of the Copa del Rey en route to winning the competition last year.

ATLETICO MADRID v REAL MADRID PROBABLE LINEUPS

Atletico Madrid (4-3-3): Oblak – Gamez, Godin, Gimenez, Juanfran – Mario, Gabi, Koke – Garcia, Torres, Griezmann.

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Navas – Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Coentrao – Isco, Khedira, Rodriguez – Jese, Benzema, Ronaldo.