Atlético Madrid v Villarreal preview, Iñigo Pérez faces first big test at Metropolitano | OneFootball

Villarreal face their first major test under Iñigo Pérez on Sunday 23 August, visiting Atlético Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano at 17.00 on Dazn. They seek a sharper display than in Santander, where two goals in 67 seconds salvaged a draw after falling 2-0 behind.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the game will also gauge a side that struggled at the big grounds last season. Pérez could stick with the El Sardinero XI, though Carlos Maciá is in contention to replace Santi Comesaña.

Alassane Diatta is suspended and Willy Kambwala, amid his move to Como, will not feature. Gerard Moreno and Sergi Cardona, despite knocks, have travelled.

Atlético remain affected by the late return of several World Cup players. Sorloth and Cuti Romero are out, while Marcos Llorente, Álex Grimaldo and Giuliano Simeone are in line to start. Julián Álvarez, despite the noise around a possible switch to Barcelona, will be in the squad.

Villarreal will try to exploit that context and echo the authority with which they ended last season, a 5-1 that secured third place.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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