Midfielder Marcos Llorente will start in attack for Atletico Madrid against Inter Milan, as Diego Simeone plans a defensively-minded lineup.
This according to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi and his Atletico counterpart Simeone have just 24 hours left to make their final lineup decisions for tomorrow evening’s Champions League round of sixteen showdown.
Naturally, both coaches will be keen to pick their strongest eleven for the occasion.
In the case of Nerazzurri coach Inzaghi, there aren’t many doubts.
The 47-year-old is set to opt for Matteo Darmian on the right flank over Denzel Dumfries. Otherwise, the Inter team just about picks itself.
Stefan de Vrij will start in defense, with Francesco Acerbi absent through injury.
Meanwhile, Atletico coach Simeone has rotated his team significantly throughout the season.
There is less certainty regarding what the first-choice Colchoneros lineup looks like compared to Inter.
According to Sky, Simeone is planning a fairly defensively-minded starting lineup. At least on paper.
Marcos Llorente To Start In Attack For Inter Vs Atletico Madrid
In goal, it will be the stalwart keeper Jan Oblak for Atletico.
Meanwhile, Sky anticipate a back three or Jose Gimenez flanked by Axel Witsel and Mario Hermoso.
In midfield, Atletico youth academy graduates Saul Niguez and Koke will be joined by ex-Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.
On the right flank, another former Friulani player is ready to start, in the form of Nahuel Molina. Molina is a World Cup winner with Argentina like De Paul.
On the left flank, meanwhile, Simeone is opting for a relatively defensive option.
Former Lille defender Reinildo Mandava is the favourite to start at left-wingback, according to Sky.
The 30-year-old Mozambican international is capable of playing in the back three, where he is started more often for Atletico.
But according to Sky, Mandava will start on the left flank, ahead of other options such as Samuel Lino and Rodrigo Riquelme who have frequently played there this season.
Lastly, in attack, Simeone will be without Alvaro Morata. The Spaniard is unable to start due to a knee injury.
Therefore, Sky anticipates, the versatile Llorene will start alongside Antoine Griezmann.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Llorente is capable of playing everywhere from central midfield to fullback.
And according to Sky, the 29-year-old will start at striker tomorrow.
Sky’s complete predicted Atletico starting eleven for tomorrow is as follows:
Atletico Madrid (3-5-2): Oblak; Witsel, Gimenez, Hermoso; Molina, De Paul, Koke, Saul, Reinildo; Griezmann, Llorente.
