Atlético can press Deportivo back with Baena and Grimaldo feeding their runners. Deportivo still have a route out through Yeremay and a first box contact from Nsongo. The contest turns on whether Atlético's early territory becomes repeated close chances after Deportivo's first response.
Atlético's left side can test the new Deportivo centre-back pairing after Ede played against Levante and was then ruled out. Yet Yeremay played 80 minutes and created four chances in that match, while Nsongo played throughout and scored. Amatucci is back to help Deportivo contest the middle; Atlético are missing Koke, Cardoso and Romero after a compressed run of matches.
Simeone's side should have more of the ball, but a compact Deportivo midfield can slow the first pass and release Yeremay before the home defenders reset. Hidalgo has also found a later route through Soriano and Nsongo when chasing. I'm siding with Deportivo to keep Atlético within a narrow winning margin, or take something themselves.
