Espanyol vs Atletico: preview, likely lineups and fantasy tips

We show the likely lineups and statistical data of interest for your preferred fantasy game.

We also take a bit of a gamble and provide a captain, a striker, a wall and a risk for each of the teams.

Espanyol - Atlético

Match date: 17/10-14:00

RCD Espanyol

Espanyol arrive with uncertainty and with the desire to add three more points out of necessity rather than ambition.

Manolo González, the coach who could face his final minutes as Espanyol manager if they suffer a heavy defeat, could make several changes to the XI that drew with Málaga CF.

In goal, everything points to a repeat of Fortuño.

In defense, Cabrera and Drkusic could form a partnership to provide solidity in the face of Riedel's lack of continuity and cutting edge.

In midfield, Pol Lozano alongside Urko could form the double pivot, leaving the doubt between Edu Expósito and Javi Hernández as the attacking midfielder.

Up front, everything suggests that Manolo could repeat the attacking trio, with Dolan and Bryan Zaragoza on the wings alongside Roberto as the main forward.

Espanyol, beyond lineups or bets, need to win to breathe. There is no other option.

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Atlético de Madrid

Atletico arrive in fine form after stringing together five straight wins across all competitions. Simeone's side come off a victory over Alavés (1-2), with a decisive goal from Cuti Romero, and they also face their European commitment against Manchester United. The rojiblancos are going through a good competitive spell, although the accumulation of matches could influence the coach's decisions.

The main news is that Simeone has practically his entire squad available. Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sørloth have overcome their physical issues, so the biggest question marks are linked to the management of minutes. Atletico have three matches in a week, with Stuttgart waiting for them on Tuesday in the Champions League, a situation that could lead to changes in several positions.

In the possible XI, Oblak is a certainty in goal and Cuti Romero gains weight in the defensive center. Grimaldo and Marcos Llorente have plenty of options to start, while Barrios, Koke, Cardoso and Hjulmand are at the heart of a major battle in midfield. Álex Baena is in good form, but there are plenty of attacking alternatives, with Jonathan David, Julián Álvarez, Lookman and Kang-in Lee all pushing to get into the starting team.

Main doubts in the XI: Pubill or Hancko in defense; Koke, Cardoso or Hjulmand to partner Barrios; Kang-in Lee or Lookman up front. We'll be watching for the possible training session of Cholo Simeone today and tomorrow to give you a likely XI as reliable as possible.

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