(Football news) Despite dropping 2 points against Cadiz, Real Madrid are still top of the La Liga table. Atletico Madrid have lost 3 La Liga games in a row for the first time under Diego Simeone. Barcelona have just about got back to winning ways but are still not convincing enough. Sevilla on the other hand are solid in 2nd position and look like Real Madrid's toughest rival at this moment in time. 

Sevilla defeated Atlético Madrid at home in their last game and they now host Barcelona to try and keep the pressure on Real Madrid. This is one of the rare occasions where Sevilla are outright favourites to win the game. The Blaugrana are currently 10 points behind Sevilla and could go 13 points behind if they lose the game. Barcelona are still missing Ansu Fati, Pedri, Memphis Depay, Sergiño Dest, Martin Braithwaite, Sergi Roberto and Yusuf Demir. Sevilla on the other hand will be without Erik Lamela, Gonzalo Montiel, Jesús Navas and Suso. 

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Atletico Madrid will play 15th placed Granada away from home. Diego Simeone's men are on a 3 game losing streak in the league and will be hoping to end the year on a high. Atletico Madrid will be without Marcos Llorente who picked up an injury during the loss against Sevilla while Antoine Griezmann, Sime Vrsaljko and Stefan Savic are still on the sidelines. Granada will be very optimistic about their chances. A loss for Atlético in this game would mean that they have lost 4 league games in a row which will be the worst possible way to end the year for the reigning champions.

Table toppers Real Madrid dropped two points in a frustrating draw against Cadiz. It remains to be seen if this was just a minor setback or the start of a downfall. Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping that his team could come through one last time this year and win their game away at Athletic Club. Luka Modric has been tested negative and could be back in the squad. Dani Ceballos out of the blue was a part of the squad against Cadiz but didn't get a chance to play. He could get some minutes before his potential move away in January as the other players will be fatigued. 

There is still no clarity over the availability of other Covid affected players such as Marcelo, Rodrygo, Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio and Andriy Lunin. Isco is another one who is said to be affected although there is no official statement by the club. Dani Carvajal didn't play against Cadiz due to muscle discomfort and is likely to miss this game along with Casemiro who is suspended. Real Madrid need to find a way to make their right hand side more threatening as all 3 usual right wingers are unavailable along with the only natural right back at the club.