Atletico de Madrid vs Valladolid preview - Atletico welcome back big guns

Posted Sunday, September 23, 2012 by PA

Diego Simeone will recall Radamel Falcao to his starting line-up for the visit of Real Valladolid after the Colombian striker was rested for the 3-0 win over Hapoel Tel-Aviv in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Diego Godin, Filipe Luis, Gabi and Arda Turan also did not travel to Israel and should return for Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

But Simeone was delighted with the performance of his fringe players and in particular Diego Costa who followed up his fine display against Rayo Vallecano last week with his first goal of the season in midweek.

Simeone told the club's website: "Diego is a very important player for all the footballing year.

"We have Adrian, Raul Garcia, Diego, Falcao. All are outstanding footballers and we need to understand this is a team therefore each is going to play a little bit.

"I never like to put titles of starters and substitutes, they are committed players with their team and with the club."

Valladolid conceded a terrible last-minute goal to lose to Real Betis on Monday and coach Miroslav Djukic is aware that his side will need to remain concentrated for the full 90 minutes if they are to take anything from the Europa League holders.

He told Marca: "In the Calderon you can only win if you are brave. If you go out to see what happens, they will paint your face. They have a fanbase that pushes the team on a lot and intimidates in the good sense of the word.

"We know we are talking about one of the big teams in our football, but we are also a good team that has already demonstrated personality to face important challenges."

Djukic will keep faith with goalkeeper Jaime despite his howler against Betis and winger Patrick Ebert is expected to start despite not having trained during the week due to a knock he picked up on Monday.