Athletico Madrid vs Espanyol

23/12- A top half clash takes place when the 5th placed Espanyol travel to the surprise 3rd place at this stage of the tournament, Athletico Madrid. Athletico enter the field with the backing of the home crowd and a record of 3 wins and 2 draws in the last 5 matches played with the last one being a draw in an away tie against Recreativo Huelva. Espanyol on the other hand have not been defeated in the last 10 encounters and possess a record of 5 wins and 5 draws, they enter this match after a 1-0 home win against Levante last week. Looking at the past record out of the 22 matches played between these clubs 8 have been draws while Espanyol have managed 8 wins while Athletico claiming the remaining 6 matches.

The home team will be hoping that their in form strikers Aguero and Forlan would convert the chances and get home the total points. With the top two teams pitted against each other a win would be a great opportunity for Athletico to device a strategy to try and possibly threat the league leaders and be a third runner in the title race. Athletico may also start without their second half wonder Radriguez as the striker has scored all his goals this season in the second half and he can be used as a replacement in the second part adding fresh legs for attack.

Espanyol have been in great form as well and defeating them would be very difficult and unlikely. The visitors would hope that Tamudo and Luis Garcia can showcase their best game as a win here could probably help them atleast one position on the points table if not more. The match would be a nail biter and might be decided by the difference of a goal.

Prediction: 1-1