Atletico de Madrid vs Sporting de Gijon preview - Diego doubt for Atleti

Posted Wednesday, September 21, 2011 by PA

Atletico Madrid got their first league victory of the season with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Racing Santander on Sunday but could be without one of their best performers from that match when Sporting Gijon visit the Vicente Calderon.

Brazilian playmaker Diego was outstanding for 45 minutes against Racing but had to be substituted at half-time due to a hamstring injury and is a major doubt.

However, manager Gregorio Manzano will be able to call on defenders Silvio and Diego Godin who missed the victory over Racing with groin strains.

Another of the standout performers for Atleti on Sunday was Jose Antonio Reyes and the former Arsenal man believes that despite losing Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan in the summer Atleti are well placed to get back into the Champions League at the end of this season.

"This year there have been a lot of changes at the club, but the feelings are good. With the arrival of the new players there is a good atmosphere, a good squad and that's the most important thing.

"To compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid is almost impossible these days. Atletico's league, like the rest of the teams, starts in third place and I think the side has to be fighting for at the very least a place in the Champions League."

Sporting by contrast have endured a terrible start to the season and are the only side in the league without a point after three games.

Manuel Preciado has altered his line-up in all three of those matches, particularly in the attacking areas, in an attempt to find a winning blend and is set to do so again.

Gaston Sangoy and Gonzalo Carmelo made a good impression after coming on in Sporting's best performance of the campaign so far against Valencia on Saturday and are expected to be handed starting roles against Atleti.