Atletico Madrid get the chance to put their late Copa del Rey first-leg disappointment behind them this weekend when they play host to Rayo Vallecano at the Vicente Calderon.

It has been a case of so far, so good for Diego Simeone's side in the opening half of the season, having progressed into the latter stages of Spain's domestic cup competition and the Champions League, while also keeping up with the chasing pack in La Liga.

The champions, who suffered a 1-0 defeat against Barcelona on Wednesday night, currently find themselves four points behind league leaders Real Madrid after playing a game more than their city rivals, although it is another Madrid club whom they take on this weekend in the shape of Vallecano.

Los Franjirrojos have lacked any real consistency this campaign, which goes some way to explaining their current position slap bang in the middle of the division.

Manager Paco Jemez knows what it takes to get the better of Atletico having held them to a goalless draw on the opening matchday of the season, and while buoyed further still by victory over Real Sociedad last time out - inflicting a first home defeat on David Moyes - this match against Madrid's 'third side' will certainly not be a walk in the park for Simeone's charges by any stretch of the imagination.

That said, the Rojiblancos are one of the best teams around at getting the job done, best epitomised by a no-nonsense 2-0 win over Granada last time out, meaning that they will know exactly what to expect on Saturday night.

Fernando Torres is likely to start once more in attack for last season's Champions League finalists alongside Mario Mandzukic, while Jose Gimenez could return in the heart of defence.

In terms of the visitors, they are likely to include Alberto Bueno in their starting lineup, with the former Derby County player looking to add to the six league goals to his name so far this season.

Atletico Madrid:

Form in La Liga: WLWWLW
Form in all competitions: WWLDWL

Possible starting lineup: Moya, Juanfran, Gimenez, Godin, Siqueira, Arda, Gabi, Mario, Koke, Torres, Mandzukic

Rayo Vallecano:

Form in La Liga: LLLWLW
Form in all competitions: LDLWLW

Possible starting lineup: Martinez, Triguero, Vale Castro, Ba, Insua, Baena, Trashorras, Aquino, Bueno, Kakuta, Goncalves

Sports Mole says: 2-0

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