Sat Nov 23 17:14:22 UTC 2024: **Atletico Madrid Favored to Defeat Struggling Deportivo Alaves**

MADRID, SPAIN – Atletico Madrid are heavy favorites to extend their winning streak to five games when they host Deportivo Alaves at the Estadio Metropolitano on Saturday. Atletico, currently third in La Liga with 26 points, are riding a wave of momentum after a 1-0 victory over RCD Mallorca, while Alaves, 15th with 13 points and just three points above the relegation zone, are struggling.

Alaves have lost six of their last seven league matches, their only win coming against RCD Mallorca in early November. Their recent poor form presents a significant challenge against an Atletico side that, despite five draws this season, have only suffered one league defeat.

While Atletico will be without Thomas Lemar and Robin Le Normand, Nahuel Molina is expected to return. Manager Diego Simeone is likely to deploy a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Julian Alvarez leading the attack. Alaves, missing Hugo Novoa and Carlos Benavidez, will likely counter with a 4-2-3-1 formation under manager Garcia.

The key matchup could be Atletico’s Julian Alvarez, who has seven goals and an assist this season, against Alaves’ defense. Pundits predict a comfortable 2-0 victory for Atletico, given their current form and superior head-to-head record against Alaves.

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