Atl. Madrid vs Almeria prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-04-15 16:30.
A lot can change in the space of three months! Approaching his previous meeting with AlmerĂa after loaning JoĂŁo FĂ©lix to Chelsea in January, AtlĂ©tico Madrid boss Diego Simeone was again facing calls for the sack as his side bobbled in and out of La Ligaâs (LL) top four. The eventual 1-1 draw didnât appear then to help his cause, but it did turn out to be the beginning of what is now LLâs longest unbeaten run (W9, D3) to bring AtlĂ©tico within touching distance of second.
The most recent addition to that streak was last roundâs 2-1 win at Vallecano, which was just the third of their last ten LL matches in which AtlĂ©tico led at half-time (the rest were 0-0). One of the most pleasing aspects was when defender Nahuel Molina recorded his first goal since the World Cup and dedicated it to the late mother of absent teammate Ăngel Correa. Correa, who has opened the scoring in six competitive matches this season including the reverse H2H, is expected to return for this match.
Interestingly, the January draw between these sides also sparked AlmerĂaâs longest undefeated streak of the LL season (three games), which they matched last round with a crucial 2-1 home win against relegation rivals Valencia. That helped them climb from 19th in March to 16th heading into this round, although theyâll be desperate to continue that run of form into this match in what building up into a very tight relegation battle.
Not least because their final run of games features three away trips to current top-four clubs starting here. As the only remaining club in the division without a single away victory (D4, L9), those three games are expected to be write-offs. Scoring on the road has at least become easier, with goals to their name in five of their last six LL away trips (compared with three of their first six).
Players to watch: Alongside teammate Correa, Ălvaro Morata has also scored in two of AtlĂ©ticoâs four LL games this season against newly promoted clubs. In AlmerĂaâs last two outings, defender SrÄan BabiÄ popped up for his second and third goals of the campaign and may beat Morata at his own game!
Hot stat: The reverse H2H was one of just two LL games involving Atlético this season to see both teams score in the first half.