Atletico Madrid will look to return to winning ways in the Spanish top flight when they host Real Sociedad on Saturday evening. Diego Simeone's side will be playing on the back of a 0-0 draw with Alaves, while Real Sociedad, who are set to enter European contention, drew 0-0 with Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby last weekend.

Atletico Madrid are in a strong position, sitting third in the La Liga table, some 10 points ahead of sixth-placed Real Betis, and therefore have all but clinched a spot in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. Simeone's side ultimately fell short of the La Liga title, while also suffering disappointments in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, but the club is believed to be planning a busy summer transfer window. Atletico Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw by Alaves last round, and will be looking to return to winning ways this Saturday, with the Red and Whites aiming for a third straight home win this weekend. Atletico beat Real Sociedad 2-1 in the corresponding match of the 2023-24 season, but the scoreline was 1-1 in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

Real Sociedad have had a disappointing season and currently sit 11th in the standings, but they can still secure European qualification for next season, so there is a lot to play for in the final stages of the season. The Basque side are currently just one point behind eighth-placed Rayo Vallecano, who have now qualified for the EFL play-offs, and three points behind seventh-placed Celta Vigo in the race for Europa League qualification. Imanol Alguacil's side drew 0-0 with Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby, and they haven't actually won in the Spanish top flight since the beginning of April.

They have only picked up two points from their last four league games and face a tough end to the season, with Celta Vigo and Real Madrid to face at home to Girona. Real Sociedad has not finished lower than sixth in La Liga since 2019, which shows that the Basque team's performance this season has been disappointing and they will have to replace outgoing head coach Alguacil this summer.

Atletico Madrid predicted starting lineup:

Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Galan; Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Gallagher; Griezmann, Alvarez

Real Sociedad predicted starting lineup:

Remiro; Aramburu, Martin, Ageld, Munoz; Kubo, Susic, Zubimendi, Marin, Gomez; Oyarzabal