The Atletico Madrid Lineup That Should Start Against Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid look to continue their unbeaten start to La Liga when they travel to city rivals Real Madrid for a blockbuster first derby of the season.

Los Rojiblancos are a point clear - with two games in hand - of nearest challengers Real Sociedad at the top of La Liga, while their progress to the Champions League round of 16 is also sealed after a midweek win over Salzburg.

Having already beaten an out-of-sorts Barcelona this season, Diego Simeone knows that his side have a real chance to stamp their authority on the title race; and must pick a balanced side that can offer something in attack, as well as providing a sturdy derby defence.

Here, 90min looks at how Atleti should line up to get the job done...

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Two stalwarts of the Atletico defence / TF-Images/Getty Images

Jan Oblak (GK): Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, Oblak has kept 149 clean sheets in 273 appearances for Atletico since joining. Guaranteed starter.

Kieran Trippier (RB): The Englishman has slotted into Simeone's system seamlessly and has provided a good attacking outlet too. First choice.

Stefan Savic (CB): Has grown into a very good defender, who controls his backline and takes no prisoners in and around his box.

Felipe (CB): A perfect alternate for the injured Jose Gimenez, his aerial prowess and positional sense make him a no brainer for this game.

Mario Hermoso (LB): Usually a centre-back, Hermoso played well against Salzburg in this role and will likely keep his place.

2. Midfielders

Two academy graduates represent in midfield / Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Koke (RM): The captain has only ever played for Atletico and will relish this game. He'll drift centrally and allow space for Trippier to come forward. Must start.

Saul Niguez (CM): A true box-to-box midfielder, who also came through the academy, Saul has a knack for big goals in big games.

Marcos Llorente (CM): Often fielded in a more attacking sense recently by Simeone, he is a defensive midfielder by trade and is in good form so should start.

Yannick Carrasco (LM): The Belgian is playing well and adds direct running, skill and good support to the attacking duo. Should start to cause problems on the counter attack.

3. Forwards

Luis Suarez will get his first taste of El Derbi / Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Joao Felix (ST): One of the in-form strikers in Europe right now, his creativity and determination make him a guaranteed pick.

Luis Suarez (ST): The Uruguayan has missed games with COVID-19 but he always turns up for the big occasion. Has a good record against Real Madrid for Barcelona and will look to carry that over into his Atletico career.