Daily Dynamo Selections – Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid
The league leaders in La Liga will hope to see off their big city rivals in this Copa del Rey semi-final. What will surprise virtually all observers, though, is that it is Atletico who are top of the table at this relatively late juncture in the season, and Real and Barcelona who are playing catch-up.
While Atletico were clearly third favourites for the La Liga title from day one, it is nevertheless a huge surprise to see them ahead of their El Clasico rivals. Few people believe that they can sustain this for the remainder of the reason, but the bookmakers have been steadily shaving their odds over the last few weeks.
The stats back this up. Atletico have conceded the least goals in La Liga, and even their attack has held up pretty favourably against the prolific Real and Barca, rattling in 56 goals so far this season. They have also performed well against both of the big two when they have faced them.
Real are in excellent form as well, though, and will be relieved that Cristiano Ronaldo will be available for this fixture after his red card at the weekend. Under the rules of English football, the Portugese would be banned. This will still be a testing evening for Atleti, even though they did see off Real in last season's Copa del Rey final.
The away side are certainly good enough to claim a point here, but I think Real's experience and home advantage will tell, but only narrowly.
Selections: Safe bet – Real Madrid to win (10/11 with Paddy Power), Value bet – Real Madrid to win by 1 goal (14/5 with Ladbrokes)