Atlético look set to retain Sevilla-winning line-up for Bilbao trip | OneFootball

Diego Simeone has spent the week drilling the same line-up that beat Sevilla, and looks set to keep faith with it in Bilbao, though a few decisions remain.

According to as.com, the Atlético head coach has resisted rotation despite Wednesday’s Champions League opener at Anfield against Liverpool, which will require careful management of minutes.

Oblak is due to start in goal. In front of him, Grimaldo, Hancko, Pubill and Marcos Llorente are the likely back four, with work this week concentrated on intensity, concentration and scenarios Athletic are expected to pose.

Midfield would again pair Barrios with Hjulmand, the Dane prized for his physicality and off-ball work, while Barrios brings mobility and energy. Lookman and Giuliano have the edge for the interior roles, with scope to adjust the shape during the game.

Up front, Baena and Kang-in Lee are set to operate with freedom to attack space, developing their understanding with Barrios. Simeone has prepared a different plan from the Sevilla match, stressing the need to avoid Athletic’s press, especially when their centre-backs move wide to start play. He wants Atlético to beat those first lines and play into depth whenever possible.

Julián Alvarez and Jonathan David are included in the squad as alternatives for the forward line.

Source: as.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”