Atletico Madrid v Man Utd predictions: Red Devils set for more road success

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Atletico Madrid v Manchester United in the Champions League round of 16, first leg on Wednesday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 8pm Wednesday

Best bet

Manchester United draw no bet
1pt 11-10 general

Team news

Atletico Madrid
Yannick Carrasco and Felipe are suspended and Daniel Wass and Matheus Cunha (both knee) are sidelined. Thomas Lemar (illness) is a doubt but Antoine Griezmann (muscle strain) is fully recovered. Koke missed Tuesday's training session and is a doubt.

Manchester United
Edinson Cavani (groin) was not involved in the 4-2 win at Leeds, Tom Heaton (groin) is sidelined and Mason Greenwood has been suspended by the club.

Match preview

Manchester United's last hope of winning silverware rests on the Champions League and they can edge closer to the quarter-finals by defeating Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital.

The Red Devils have not advanced beyond the last eight of this competition since reaching the final in 2011 (losing 3-1 to Barcelona), and are sure to be respectful of Atleti, who were runners-up in 2014 and 2016.

However, it looks far from the worst of draws for United, who have not lost on their travels since going down 4-1 at Watford in November.

While United are looking solid on the road, Atleti have been vulnerable at home – losing three of their last six matches at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Diego Simeone's side were La Liga champions last season but their title defence is in tatters with 15 points separating them from leaders Real Madrid.

They consolidated fifth place with a 3-0 victory at Osasuna on Saturday, but face a battle to finish in the top four and are unlikely to get there unless they can restore some of their famed defensive prowess.

Atleti are renowned as a tough, disciplined bunch under Simeone but something has changed this term.

They have shipped 34 league goals (the highest among the top 11 teams) and, while the weekend clean sheet was a step in the right direction, it is less likely that they will keep a confident United under control.

United came through a tricky experience against Leeds on Sunday to register a 4-2 victory and remain in with a good chance of a top-four finish.

They had to cope with a sodden pitch and highly-motivated opponents in Yorkshire, but were up for the challenge and provided enough moments of quality to secure a deserved three points.

United's appetite for the battle was evident at Elland Road and it should serve them well against Atleti, who are sure to be up for a scrap in front of their home supporters.

Atleti have match-winners in their ranks, although veteran striker Luis Suarez is past his best and Antoine Griezmann is unlikely to be fit enough to start, having recently recovered from a muscle injury which has kept him sidelined since early January.

Simeone's side are also weakened by suspensions for defender Felipe and winger Yannick Carrasco, who has assisted five La Liga goals (more than any other team-mate).

Given the character of Simeone, who often gets his team to excel when their backs are against the wall, it would be foolish for Ralf Rangnick to expect an easy ride.

However, his team are on a strong run (five games unbeaten) and look a decent value wager on the draw no bet.

Key stat

Atletico Madrid have lost three of their last four Champions League home games.

Inside info

Atletico Madrid

Penalty taker Luis Suarez
Free-kick wizard Luis Suarez
Set-piece aerial threat Jose Gimenez
Card magnet Jose Gimenez

Manchester United

Penalty taker Cristiano Ronaldo
Free-kick wizardBruno Fernandes/Cristiano Ronaldo
Set-piece aerial threatHarry Maguire
Card magnetScott McTominay

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