Madrid Derby team news and prediction: Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid

First hosts second in LaLiga this weekend as Real Madrid make the short trip across the capital to rivals Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid did well to make up the ground in the LaLiga title race, but a slip up against Real Sociedad leaves them five points behind Atletico, who themselves have a game in hand over Los Blancos. 

Ahead of the Madrid Derby, we deliver the need-to-know pre-match information, including when the game kicks off, where to match the clash, team news and probable XIs. 

When is kick off? 

Sunday 7th March, 15:15 GMT 

Where is the match? 

Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid 

Where can I watch it? 

Premier Player / LaLiga TV 

Form Guide 

A run of one win in four saw Atletico Madrid threaten to surrender their lead atop the LaLiga table, but Diego Simeone's side secured a commendable 2-0 win at Villarreal last weekend to remain five points clear of Real Madrid in second with a game in hand. Home form has been poor of late, with Atletico failing to win their last two league matches in the Spanish capital, which includes a surprise 2-0 loss to Levante two weeks' ago. 

A four-game winning run saw Real Madrid close the gap on Atletico, but a recent stumble against Real Sociedad means Los Blancos have ground to make up in the title race. A win is almost mandatory for Real Madrid, who cannot afford any more slip ups if they are to leapfrog Los Colchoneros into first. 

Team News 

The big boost for Atletico Madrid is the return of Kieran Trippier. The England international recently served a nine-match ban after breaching betting regulations and is set to return to the starting XI for the Madrid Derby. Diego Simeone has the luxury of a full squad to select from, save the possible absence of Jose Gimenez. The Uruguayan is a doubt with an adductor issue sustained in the 2-0 loss to Levante, but will be assessed. 

For Real Madrid, striker Karim Benzema returned to training on Friday as he looks to make his first appearance since Valentine's Day. Zinedine Zidane's injury woes have eased tremendously recently, with the Frenchman without only Eden Hazard, Mariano, Dani Carvajal and captain Sergio Ramos. Eder Militao and Federico Valverde are available, but may have to settle for a spot on the bench. 

Probable XIs 

Atletico Madrid (343) - Oblak; Felipe, Hermoso, Savic; Trippier, Koke, Llorente, Carrasco; Correa, Suarez, Felix

Real Madrid (4312) - Courtois; Vazquez, Nacho, Varane, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Isco; Asensio, Benzema

Key Battle: Jan Oblak vs Thibaut Courtois

Coming into the weekend's action, Jan Oblak (12) and Thibaut Courtois (11) rank first and second for the most clean sheets in LaLiga this season. The former has the best save success rate (84.7%) in Spain's top tier this term, with the Atletico star reaffirming the commonly-held belief that he is presently the best goalkeeper in the game.

However, he will have his work cut out against Los Blancos. A clean sheet against Villarreal ended a seven-match run without a shutout for Oblak, who has kept just one clean sheet in the last four meetings with Real Madrid. Between the Real Madrid sticks, Courtois has kept three clean sheets in his last four appearances and when two of LaLiga's top scoring teams face off, both Oblak and his Belgian counterpart need to perform to the best of their abilities to add to their fine clean sheet record.

Score Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-2 Real Madrid