Big Match Breakdown: Atletico Madrid v Chelsea

Atletico are especially dangerous on the left. Former Chelsea full-back Filipe Luis and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco both operate there, while Antoine Griezmann frequently drops into wide positions. With that in mind, Davide Zappacosta could start ahead of Victor Moses at right wing-back.

Key Battles

Atletico are one of the best-drilled teams in Europe. They’ve only conceded 11 goals in 25 group stage matches under Simeone. And just four of those have come at home.

Their organisation in central areas means that Chelsea’s wing-backs could be key. They’ll need to stretch the play while being careful not to leave their flank exposed.

In midfield, Bakayoko and N’Golo Kante aren’t the most creative duo but they should have more legs than Gabi and Saul Niguez. Gabi is an inspirational figure for his side but he’s now 34-years-old.

If the West London side do get beyond the Atletico midfield, the movement and speed of their attack could cause real problems.

Match Odds

Diego Simeone has never lost to an English side during his managerial career. The odds suggest Chelsea won’t be able to break that pattern, as Atletico are 11/10 favourites.

Chelsea are out at 11/4 and the draw is 21/10.

Both of these sides are very solid at the back. Atletico only conceded 27 league goals last season, and Chelsea let in 33.

Chances are likely to be few and far between – Atletico Madrid and Under 2.5 Goals looks tempting at 29/10.

Antoine Griezmann is the Spanish side’s star attacker but there’s better value in Carrasco as an Anytime Goalscorer at 14/5. Carrasco is Atletico’s joint-top scorer with three in six in La Liga so far.

Alvaro Morata is Chelsea’s best hope of a goal. He’ll be especially confident after bagging a superb hat-trick last weekend. The former Real Madrid man is 5/1 as First Goalscorer.

Big match previews, betting tips and transfer news – we’ve got it all.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing