Atletico Madrid v Leicester Predictions, Betting Tips, Lineups and Odds (2024)
Atletico Madrid and Leicester City are set to clash in a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie. This match promises to be a captivating affair as both teams will be vying for a spot in the semi-finals. Leicester, the surprise Premier League champions, will be looking to cause another upset, while Atletico Madrid, a seasoned European campaigner, will be aiming to assert their dominance.
Match Preview
This match is a clash of styles. Atletico Madrid, known for their robust defense and counter-attacking prowess, will face a Leicester City side renowned for their dynamic and attacking football. The first leg of this tie at the Vicente Calderon stadium will be a crucial encounter, setting the stage for the return leg at the King Power Stadium. Atletico will be looking to leverage their home advantage and secure a comfortable lead, while Leicester will be aiming to keep the tie alive with a positive result away from home.
Team News
Atletico Madrid will be without the services of key midfielder Saul Niguez, who is currently on loan at Sevilla. Leicester, meanwhile, will be hoping to have their star striker, Jamie Vardy, fit for the match after he sustained a minor injury in their recent Premier League encounter. Both teams will be looking to field their strongest possible lineups for this crucial clash, but injuries and suspensions could play a role in their team selections.
Head-to-Head
Atletico Madrid and Leicester City have only met once before, in the 2016/17 Champions League quarter-final. The match ended in a 1-1 draw at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, with Leicester scoring a late equalizer to take the tie to the second leg. In the return leg, Atletico Madrid emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, eliminating Leicester from the competition. This historic encounter serves as a reminder of the potential for upsets in European football.
Betting Odds
The betting odds for this match are heavily in favor of Atletico Madrid. Oddsmakers see them as the clear favorites to win, with some bookmakers offering odds as low as 3/10 for an Atletico victory. Leicester City٫ despite their remarkable Premier League triumph٫ are considered underdogs with odds ranging from 12/1 to 4/1 for a win. The draw is also available at odds of around 4/1. These odds reflect the general consensus that Atletico Madrid’s experience and squad depth give them a significant advantage in this encounter.
Betting Tips
While Atletico Madrid are the favorites, Leicester City has proven their ability to upset the odds in the past. The Foxes have a strong attacking unit and can exploit defensive vulnerabilities. If you’re feeling bold, a bet on Leicester City to win or draw could offer good value. However, considering Atletico Madrid’s strong home advantage and their defensive prowess, a safer bet might be to back them to win but with a low margin. Additionally, betting on a low-scoring match could be a smart strategy, given both teams’ defensive strength. Ultimately, the best betting tip is to thoroughly research both teams’ recent form and potential lineups before making your decisions.
Lineups
While official lineups are not yet available, here’s a potential starting XI for both teams, based on recent form and injury news⁚
Atletico Madrid⁚ Oblak; Trippier, Savic, Giménez, Reinildo; Koke, De Paul, Llorente; Carrasco, Griezmann, Morata.
Leicester City⁚ Ward; Justin, Söyüncü, Evans, Castagne; Ndidi, Tielemans, Maddison; Barnes, Iheanacho, Vardy.
It’s crucial to keep an eye on team news closer to the match as injuries and tactical decisions can significantly impact the final lineups.
The clash between Atletico Madrid and Leicester City promises to be a captivating spectacle. Atletico Madrid’s experience and tactical prowess will be a significant challenge for Leicester, who have shown their mettle in overcoming tough opponents this season. The outcome hinges on how well Leicester can counter Atletico’s defensive strength and capitalize on their attacking opportunities. While Atletico are favorites, Leicester’s ability to defy the odds cannot be discounted. This tie is sure to be a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams determined to secure victory and advance to the next round of the Champions League.