Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea Preview, Prediction, Odds, H2H, Team News: Champions League Round of 16

Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea Preview:

Chelsea are set to lock horns with Atletico Madrid in a crucial first-leg tie in the Round of 16 of the Champions League. The fixture is scheduled to take place in Romania due to coronavirus protocols back in order.

The Rojiblancos have a three-point advantage over their city rivals Real Madrid and Diego Simeone and co. also have a game in hand. This leaves the Atletico Madrid boss to think clearly about the first leg Champions League clash with Chelsea.

Round of 16 may not be the most high-pressure game the Champions League would witness but it still holds significant to keep their momentum sky-high.

Despite the game being played at a neutral venue, the Blues see it as an away fixture and would be pleased to come out flying in the first leg. Champions League hasn't been the best for Chelsea since lifting the trophy in 2012.

Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea were disheartened after dropping points against the Saints, Southampton in their weekend clash and are fifth, two points of the Champions League spot, and 16 points apart from the league leaders Manchester City.

Atletico Madrid will regrettably come after a home defeat to Levante in the Spanish top flight. So, who do you back in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16? Tuchel's Chelsea or Simeone's Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea Head-to-Head Record:

The teams have played each other five times in European competitions and the Madrid outfit would be exulted to have an edge over their midweek opponents. Atletico Madrid have two wins to their name, with two draws and just one defeat.

The Blues would be taken aback when they discern the fact that their only victory in the tie came at Wanda Metropolitano, the actual venue where the round of 16 Champions League would be played if the COVID-19 threat was not around us.

Recent Form

When we take the team's forms in their latest six games in all competitions then Simeone and co have managed three wins, two draws, and a loss being the most recent one. For Chelsea, they are unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions.

However, when we retrospect only their form in the  Champions League then things are worrying for the La Liga leaders as they have won just two of their last six games, losing one in the Champions League. The Blues are unbeaten in the UCL too with four wins and two draws.

Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea Team News:

Jose Gimenez is out for the tie due to a muscular issue, while Yannick Carrasco is out of contention too because of a muscle injury. Hector Herrera tested positive which means he's ruled out. Simeone will have a robust competition in selecting his attacking options.

For Chelsea, the experienced Champions League veteran Thiago Silva is expected to return after missing several weeks to injury, but Tuchel will be content as there are no other casualties as things stand.

The Odds for the game are as follows:
Home Win- 12/8
Draw- 2/1
Away Win-2/1

Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea Prediction:

Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea UCL fixture is not an easy one to predict. Both the teams are performing contradictory to their opponents in their respective top-flights and the Champions League.

The only concern for Simeone could be more injuries that could threaten his side's lead in the Spanish top-flight. For Chelsea, the game is a must-win as an away advantage would suffice to their shaky form this season. Being Tuchel's first game as manager of Chelsea in the Champions League, he would give his best to capitalize on his side's depth dominance.

Sportco predicts Atletico Madrid to win.