One of the world's most exciting and venomous football rivalries, the Madrid derby takes the Sunday spotlight as Atletico Madrid host their cross-town foes Real Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Both clubs are near the top of the La Liga table right off the jump, but a few slips have allowed Barcelona to pull ahead with their perfect start to the league campaign, and thus neither side can afford to drop points and allow the gap to increase further.
Real Madrid appear to have grown into full form of late, their most recent result a nervy 3-2 victory over Alaves which saw Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo all dazzling in some capacity, most notably the Frenchman, who has exploded to life after a spotty start with his new Spanish club.
Unfortunately, Mbappe also picked up an injury and will miss out for as much as three weeks.
Los Blancos have the benefit of longer rest as well, as Atletico Madrid were in action against Celta Vigo on Thursday, winning 1-0 to maintain their own positive form as they moved up to third in the table.
Julian Alvarez stepped off the bench to score a 90th-minute winner in that match, enhancing his claims for a more prominent role against Real.
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Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Atletico Madrid had started the season at full strength, but saw captain Cesar Azpilicueta go down with a muscle injury, and he will now miss a few weeks.
Rodrigo de Paul has also been struggling with a knock but returned from the bench against Celta and could be restored to the starting 11 for this rivalry match.
Antoine Griezmann and Robin Le Normand are also back after being rested against Vallecano recently.
Atletico Madrid predicted 11 (5-3-2, right to left): Oblak (GK) — Molina, Le Normand, Witsel, Reinildo, Lino — De Paul, Koke, Gallagher — Griezmann, Alvarez.
Injured: Azpilicueta, Barrios, Lemar
Suspended: None
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Despite being thin at the back, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti seemed close to having his full first-choice 11 available for selection for the crucial phase of the early season before the huge blow of losing Mbappe was confirmed.
Mbappe went down with a leg injury late against Alaves and will be out for three weeks, meaning he will miss out on the derby but also a number of other important fixtures. Either Endrick or Arda Guler will be the options to replace the Frenchman.
The only other starting doubt is midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who has a muscle injury. He is reported to be ready to return, as is Dani Carvajal.
Antonio Rudiger returned to starting fitness against Alaves on Tuesday, meaning Aurelin Tchouameni no longer has to deputize at the back.
Only David Alaba remains out amongst the defensive options while recovering from his ACL tear, expected back soon, while squad players Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz are also sidelined.
Real Madrid predicted 11 (4-3-3, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Carvajal, Rudiger, Militao, Mendy — Valverde, Bellingham, Tchouameni — Rodrygo, Endrick, Vinicius
Injured: Mbappe, Alaba, Diaz, Ceballos
Suspended: None
Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this La Liga match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
| TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | ESPN Deportes | Fubo USA, ESPN+ |
| Canada | — | TSN+ |
| UK | ITV4, Premier Sports 1 | LaLigaTV, ITVX |
| Australia | beIN Sports 3 | beIN Sports Connect |
| India | — | GXR World |
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