A HUGE TEST FOR THE UNBEATEN RECORD AT HOME

Cup action has come to an end for the next couple of weeks and now it is time to turn attentions toward the two league matches that will see off 2021 for the team. The matches could barely be more difficult with clashes against Atlético Madrid and FC Barcelona, but both are at home and will have the Sánchez-Pizjuán behind the team. The two opponents are usually direct rivals of Lopetegui's side but, this year, we find ourselves above both of them with the season almost half over. The time for talking about Barcelona will come, though - now the current La Liga champions require our full attention. Simeone's side come off the back of qualifying for the last-16 in the Champions League but losing at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Atleti's loss coupled with our win in Barcelona means that five points separate the two teams. A win tonight would put a huge eight points between us. There are injury doubts for the match: despite Acuña, Ocampos and En-Nesyri's presence in training, it's not sure whether they can make the match. Navas, Óliver, Suso and Lamela are all out injured while Fernando is suspended. Lopetegui does get Rakitić back, however, after he served his suspension in Bilbao.

Lopetegui gets Rakitić back but is still missing various members of the squad

Atleti have injuries themselves in attack and defence. It is expected former Sevilla player Kondogbia will play in a back three with Felipe and Mario Hermoso. Atlético have seven of the last 15 league points, however, they have only lost one of the last nine games against Sevilla - the last one back in April with Acuña's header sealing a 1-0 win.

Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea is in charge of refereeing the match tonight. Our tally under him is seven wins, two draws and four defeats. The Catalan Xavier Estrada Fernández is on VAR duties.