How will Atlético de Madrid line up against Valencia?

Team news

Diego Simeone confirmed in Friday’s press conference that none of **Julián Alvarez**, **Josema Giménez**, **Giuliano Simeone** and **Alexander Sørloth** will make the trip to València as they recover from various injuries. All players except Giménez (who is gradually returning to training) are expected to travel to London for the second leg of the Champions League semifinal on Tuesday. (By the way, it appears that Alvarez is getting close to renewing his contract.) As has been the case in recent weeks, we can expect Cholo Simeone to roll out an 11 with squad players and youth-teamers at Mestalla. Defenders **Javier Boñar** and **Julio Díaz** last started in the 3-2 loss to Elche but could return to the lineup here as they continue to showcase their credentials for loans with Primera next season. None of **Dávid Hancko**, **Marc Pubill** or **Matteo Ruggeri** will be risked, at least from the start of Saturday’s match. **Thiago Almada** is expected to return to the lineup after he missed the Athletic game through suspension, while **Rodrigo Mendoza** and **Obed Vargas** have become Simeone’s preferred pairing for the league matches, when **Koke**, **Johnny Cardoso** and **Marcos Llorente** can rest. The final piece in attack may well be **Álex Baena**, who with **Antoine Griezmann** is the only fit option at the moment. Griezmann might play at Mestalla but is not likely to start after he played 90 minutes against Arsenal on Wednesday. **Predicted XI** Musso; Molina, Boñar, Le Normand, Lenglet, Díaz; Morcillo, Mendoza, Vargas; Baena, Almada.