Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid: How Atleti Will Line Up in La Liga Game

Just 22 days after defeating Real Madrid over two legs in the Spanish Super Cup, Atletico Madrid will face their crosstown rivals again on Saturday at the Bernabeu in their first La Liga meeting of 2014-15. 

After an underwhelming performance at Rayo Vallecano in the season opener, Diego Simeone's side recorded a 2-1 victory over Eibar at the Vicente Calderon before the international break thanks to first-half goals from Miranda and Mario Mandzukic.

However, Los Rojiblancos' fiery manager will be absent from the sideline once more this weekend, as he continues to serve an eight-game suspension for his outburst during the victorious second leg of the Super Cup. 

With German Burgos taking his place at pitch level, Simeone will watch from the stands, but it cannot be underestimated how much influence the Argentinian exerts on his players from the touchline. Without him, the defending Spanish champions lose some of their edge. 

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

To overcome their manager's pitch-side absence, Atletico will line up in their most characteristic and robust shape: Simeone's resilient 4-4-2. 

Anchored at the back by Europe's finest central defensive pairing in Miranda and Diego Godin, Atleti will predictably base their approach on solidarity, flanking the two centre-backs with Juanfran and Guilherme Siqueira.

Of the full-backs, Juanfran is the more reliable for Simeone, having held down his position on the right for the entirety of the 2013-14 season. Siqueira, meanwhile, has arrived from Granada to cover the departure of Filipe Luis to Chelsea, but he is recognised as an attacking left-back with some defensive shortcomings. 

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Further ahead, Atletico will feel they can unsettle a transitional Real Madrid with their combative midfield. 

Up against a technical but hardly physically imposing trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez, Gabi and Tiago will look to interrupt Real's flow by filling the passing lanes, tackling hard and harassing their direct opponents with characteristic ferocity. 

With that superb anchor in place, the more creative Koke will be his side's key figure when possession is won, responsible for opening up Los Blancos' one-way midfield to create chances for Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann ahead. 

Supported by Juanfran on the right, Raul Garcia will also drift forward from his midfield position in spells of possession, providing a floating target for crosses and set pieces. 

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Leading the attack will be Mandzukic and Griezmann in an exciting pairing.

In the Croatian, Atletico have a powerful penalty-area presence with superb finishing skills, capable of overwhelming Real Madrid's suspect defence with his physicality in the air. In the Frenchman, Atleti have a swift, mobile forward with a keen eye for goal.

When the ball is won in the visitors' half, Griezmann's ability to play hard against Real's defensive line with his pace will be critical in dragging Simeone's men up the pitch, allowing Mandzukic to play as the primary target man when the team surges forward in their direct approach. 

Bleacher Report

Given the difficulties currently being experienced by the European champions, Atletico will like their chances to take points away from the Bernabeu on Saturday.