Thursday Football Tips: Atleti to Copa load of goals and corners

Rayo Majadahonda v Atletico Madrid
Thursday 6 January, 20:30
Live on Premier Sports 1

All the talk in Spain is of Atletico picking a virtual first-choice XI for this Copa del Rey tie and third-tier Majadahonda could well be in for a tough night.

First up, it should be noted that although Atleti are considered the away side here, the game will be taking place at their Wanda Metropolitano stadium, having been switched from what is essentially a suburb of Madrid.

Secondly, Diego Simeone is set to name a strong side with players returning from illness and injury.

COVID victims Hector Herrera, Joao Felix and Koke were all given the green light to return to training earlier this week, while Antoine Griezmann and Marcos Llorente are also back after injury.

Jose Maria Gimenez and Luis Suarez will both miss the weekend's forthcoming league game due to suspension so they look highly likely to start this one.

Admittedly, Atleti have exited this competition at the hands of lower-league opposition in each of the past two seasons but on Wednesday, Simeone made a point of that and vowed to put things right.

With the reigning Spanish champions already looking out of the title race, there is no reason to hold back in the Cup.

At home to a third division side, Atleti (-1) looks the bedrock of any bet in this game and I'll happily add them to win the corner match bet too - only Athletic Bilbao have won more corners in La Liga this season.

That double gives us odds of around 13/10 which might not suit everyone but it's a bet which does look overpriced to me.

Those looking for more may want to consider over 30 booking points.

In Santiago Jaime Latre, we've got a referee who averages over 55 per game in the league and while, as in England, there's a general trend for lower card counts in the cup competition, we've got two sides who both sit in the top half of their respective 'cards received' tables.