📌 Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United Champions League preview: kick-off time, predicted lineups, injuries, referee, recent form and key match statistics.
Atletico Madrid host Manchester United at the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday, October 13, in the second round of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase. Diego Simeone's side arrive on a four-match winning streak, while Michael Carrick's struggling United are desperate to end a run of four games without victory.
The contrasting form adds pressure to an already significant European encounter. Atletico are looking to recover from their opening defeat against Liverpool, while United began their Champions League campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Sabah. With injuries disrupting Carrick's defensive options and Atletico enjoying a fully fit squad, the visitors face a difficult assignment in Madrid.
The Champions League encounter will be available through different streaming platforms depending on the territory.
In the UK, the fixture will not be shown on a traditional live television channel, with coverage available through Amazon Prime Video.
Diego Simeone has a fully fit squad available for Tuesday's encounter, giving the Atletico manager considerable flexibility in selecting his starting XI.
Julián Álvarez is expected to lead the attack, supported by Lee Kang-in, who has impressed since joining from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer.
Cristian Romero, who scored Atletico's late winner against Alaves, is also expected to feature prominently in defence alongside Dávid Hancko.
Alejandro Grimaldo has been influential in recent victories, scoring the opening goals against both Real Madrid and Alaves.
Atletico have no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of the match.
Manchester United face a more complicated selection situation, particularly in defence, with several players unavailable.
Manchester United injury list:
The defensive absences could see Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez form United's central partnership, with Luke Shaw also expected to start.
Kobbie Mainoo is available in midfield, while captain Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo are expected to provide attacking support for Matheus Cunha.
Sesko's absence leaves Cunha as the leading candidate to operate through the middle of United's attack.
Different projected selections have emerged for both sides, particularly in defence and midfield. The following are possible starting XIs rather than confirmed teams.
Starting XI: Jan Oblak; Marc Pubill, Cristian Romero, Dávid Hancko; Marcos Llorente, Pablo Barrios, Koke, Giuliano Simeone; Lee Kang-in, Álex Baena; Julián Álvarez.
An alternative projection features Alejandro Grimaldo, Johnny Cardoso and a different defensive structure, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Simeone's final selection.
Starting XI: Senne Lammens; Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw; Kobbie Mainoo, Carlos Baleba; Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Matheus Cunha.
Another projected United XI includes Diogo Dalot instead of Yoro and Youri Tielemans alongside Mainoo in midfield.
Carrick's final defensive selection will be particularly important given the absence of De Ligt, Mazraoui and Dorgu.
Atletico Madrid have responded impressively to their opening Champions League defeat against Liverpool.
Simeone's team have won four consecutive matches in all competitions, including a 2-1 victory over Rea . . .
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