The Champions League is back! Manchester United travel to Madrid to take on Diego Simeone’s side in the last 16 of the Champions League. Let’s have a look at what we might expect to see in the first leg of this knockout tie.
Opposition
Atletico Madrid come into this game with a very mixed bag of results lately. In their last six matches, they have three wins and three losses. They are currently fifth in La Liga, only behind Barcelona on goal difference. However, this does represent a massive drop-off from the levels they were achieving last season. Historically, Simeone has built this team from a strong defensive platform. Yet so far in the league they have conceded 34 goals in just 25 matches. A far cry away from the defensive stability that brought them victory in La Liga just last season.
In La Liga, Simeone has tended to favour a 4-4-2 formation, however he has experimented with three at the back in the Champions League. Early reports from training indicate that this could be the strategy employed against Manchester United. With that in mind, here is how I expect the Spanish side to line-up. Obviously starting with Jan Oblak in goal, who for years has been, one of, if not the best goalkeeper in the world, but recently has looked really off his game. I expect to see a back three of Reinildo, Felipe and Savic. With Lodi and Vrsaljko as wing-backs. In central midfield we could see Kondogbia, Herrera, and Llorente. With a strike partnership of Ángel Correa and João Félix, after reports indicate that Suarez could miss out on the fixture in favour of the extra defender.
Manchester United
After battering Leeds at the weekend, Rangnick and his team come into this fixture with a bit of much needed momentum. Since exiting the FA Cup, the Champions League has become the only chance at silverware for United this season, however slight that chance may be. At the end of the day, the Champions League is still a cup competition and stranger things have happened. That is by no means to suggest that this is likely to happen, but if it were, the first step is getting past this Atletico Madrid side.
The fact that Simeone’s side has looked off the pace this season should give United fans some hope heading into the first leg. With players such as Saul Niguez and Kieran Trippier being moved since last season, they have looked a lot less stable. And as alluded to earlier Jan Oblak does not seem the keeper he once was. Combine that with they way that Cristiano Ronaldo seems to turn up in the Champions League. And with 25 goals in 35 appearances against Atletico, his goal scoring record speaks for itself. I think the Red Devils are probably still the underdog. However, Rangnick has a real chance here to put one foot into the quarter-finals.
Line-up
With that in mind, I expect Ralf Rangnick to stick with the 4-3-3 formation. Starting with David de Gea in goal. We should see Varane start, given the rivalry he’ll have with Atletico from his time at Real Madrid. Alongside him I’d very surprised if Rangnick dropped Maguire, despite Lindelöf’s impressive performance at the weekend. Alex Telles should be set to return at left-back with Diogo Dalot on the opposite flank. Given that both missed out on the win at Elland Road they should both be ready to slot back in for this crucial Champions League fixture.
In midfield, I would expect to see Scott McTominay in the deeper role. With Paul Pogba being taken off after 66 minutes against Leeds, I think it’s almost a certainty to see the frenchman start here. And alongside both of them it has to be Bruno Fernandes who seems to be back being that productive player making things happen. As for the forward line, Jadon Sancho has really cemented his place in the starting XI. With a man of the match performance against Leeds he is looking like one of the best players for United week in, week out. On the opposite wing, Rangnick could go for Marcus Rashford given his complete lack of involvement on the weekend. And then up top, it has to be Mr. Champions League himself, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Score prediction
Despite Atletico’s recent defensive fragility, Manchester United will still be in for a tough match. I expect a very close game and a bit of a physical battle from both teams. With than in mind, I am going for a 2-1 United win. I could see Sancho scoring in the first half, we let them back in early on the second. And then Ronaldo to pop up with a late goal to seal the victory in the first leg.