Atletico Madrid Set Alvarez to Start Against Alaves in LaLiga

Atletico Madrid are preparing to visit Alaves at Mendizorrotza on Saturday at 15:15 local time in LaLiga, with Julian Alvarez expected to return to the starting lineup after a muscle injury. The False 9 reported the Argentina striker is set to lead the attack. Sports Mole reported that Atletico have collected 16 points from seven league matches and entered the fixture after three consecutive LaLiga victories.

The team was also five points behind leaders Barcelona and level with Real Betis. According to The False 9, Alaves entered the matchday in sixth place with 11 points and a 11:6 goal difference under Quique Sanchez Flores. The club drew 0-0 away against Athletic Bilbao before the international break.

The False 9 reported that Lucas Boye was Alaves' main attacking threat after scoring four league goals, including a hat-trick in a 5-2 win over Osasuna. Toni Martinez was expected to continue alongside him in attack.

Alaves were also dealing with defensive absences, according to The False 9. Facundo Garces and Mikel Rodriguez remained sidelined with cruciate ligament injuries until around April, while Ville Koski was unavailable with a thigh problem until early November. Atletico's lineup decisions centered on Alvarez after his muscle overload kept him out of matches against Real Sociedad and Osasuna, according to The False 9. The report said he returned after the international break and was expected to start.

The False 9 reported that Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sorloth had returned to training after injuries, while Alejandro Grimaldo rejoined the squad after a quadriceps issue. The club was expected to manage some players' minutes before a Champions League match against Manchester United. Sports Mole and The False 9 listed a possible Atletico lineup featuring Jan Oblak, Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, David Hancko, Alejandro Grimaldo, Giuliano Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Alex Baena, Lee Kang-in and Julian Alvarez.

The False 9 reported that Atletico could also use Jonathan David as an attacking alternative after he scored in each of his first two league appearances on loan. Ademola Lookman was another option in the wide areas. Sports Mole reported that Atletico had not lost to Alaves in their previous four meetings, with two draws and two victories during that period. The report also noted Atletico were scheduled to host Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday.