Seattle Sounders vs Atletico Madrid predictions: Sounders can make some noise against Atleti
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- Seattle have scored in seven of their eight home MLS games this term
- The Sounders generated 2.2 xG in their 2-1 loss to Botafogo in their opener
- Recommended bet: Both teams to score
After losing their opening Club World Cup matches, both Seattle Sounders and Atletico Madrid will be bidding to bounce back on Thursday.
Atletico were blown away by European champions Paris Saint-Germain, while Seattle fell short against Botafogo.
Atleti are heavy favourites for the points, but Seattle are looking to make an impression at their Lumen Field home.
Team news
Atletico will be without defender Clement Lenglet, who was sent off against PSG. The Spaniards could move Antoine Griezmann to the bench for Alexander Sorloth, who has been in impressive form.
The Sounders started with a 4-2-3-1 setup for their clash with Botafogo, which they are expected to persist with in this game.
However, Seattle made early defensive changes after making a slow start in their opener, so Kim Kee-Hee and Nouhou Tolo could drop to the bench.
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The stats
Atletico Madrid won three of their final four La Liga games, scoring four times in each victory.
Seattle have lost each of their previous three matches.
The Sounders have scored 2.25 goals per game at home in MLS this term.
However, Seattle have conceded 25 goals in 18 clashes with MLS opposition.
Atletico conceded 16 shots in a poor display in their opening game.
Prediction
Atletico Madrid’s poor opening display is hard to put into context until we see them play again. They looked lethargic and off the pace, but they were playing a PSG side who were showing little sign of fatigue.
However, Atleti’s season did tail off quite dramatically, so it would make sense if they were struggling to get back to their best for this tournament. The Spaniards will be weakened defensively from their last game, as Lenglet is suspended.
The Sounders are an easier test for Atletico, but this will not be a walkover. The MLS outfit are the only team in the competition playing at home, while they did show some attacking threat in their loss to Botafogo.
Seattle won the xG battle 2.2 to 0.91 in that clash, so they are capable of exploiting any issues Atletico have at the back.
The Sounders have averaged over two goals per game at their own ground in the league this season, so that should give them confidence to attack Diego Simeone’s side.
However, the Sounders have also conceded far too many goals domestically, while Atletico scored four times in three of their final four league matches. Their quality should tell against their American hosts, but both teams to score is the way to go.
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