Samuel Lino has an extremely consistent shot record for Atletico Madrid, averaging 3.01 shots per 90 this season, registering at least two shots in six out of seven starts.

Playing as the left wing back, Lino is afforded a large amount of attacking freedom, so is able to push forward to play as a winger at times.

All 15 of his shots in La Liga this season have come from inside the box, to exemplify the previous point. He often finds himself unmarked, arriving as the free man to get on the end of crosses.

In addition, he is right footed, so naturally prefers to cut inside, as opposed to maintain width. Thus, the angles are always favourable for him to shoot.

Zubimendi resisted the temptation to depart Real Sociedad over the summer, and has started in each of the last seven league games.

He did not feature against Anderlecht in the Europa League midweek, so is fully rested to be in for the full 90 against Atletico Madrid.

Zubimendi has seen a massive uptick in fouls this season, with 11 fouls in eight starts, averaging 1.37 fouls per 90. That is a notable rise from last season, in which he has just 0.98 fouls per game in all competitions.

Following the departure of Mikel Merino, Zubimendi has seen an increase in duels, and defensive involvement in general. Last season, he had 1.6 tackles per game, compared to 2.3 tackles per game so far this campaign.

Takefusa Kubo has drawn the most fouls for Real Sociedad this season, with 17 fouls drawn in nine appearances – averaging 2.61 fouls drawn per 90. Only Brais Mendez has a higher average.

He was also afforded some rest midweek, as he only featured off the bench in the second-half, with La Real trailing. Therefore, he should be looking to play at least 80 minutes here.

In La Liga, Kubo has drawn at least one foul in every game so far, including three fouls drawn against Real Madrid.

He should find duels against the likes of Rodrigo de Paul, Koke and Conor Gallagher in midfield, which is an ideal matchup to draw fouls.

Last time Kubo faced Atletico Madrid, he was fouled three times at the San Sebastian Stadium.

Conor Gallagher has been a key cog in the Diego Simeone system since his arrival from Chelsea, and has started in each of the last five league games.

In that time, he has drawn at least two fouls in every game, averaging 2.28 fouls drawn per 90 minutes.

Gallagher has been extremely involved in midfield areas, consistently putting himself about in duels. Because of that, no other Atletico Madrid player has been fouled more often.

Real Sociedad have committed at least ten fouls in seven of their eight league games – only failing against Valencia. However, they were comfortable winners in that game, which shouldn’t be the case here. Real Sociedad made 12 fouls against Real Madrid.

Atletico Madrid currently boast the best defensive record in La Liga this season, conceding just four goals in eight games. However, it’s certainly worth mentioning that they will be missing key players for this game – Marcos Llorente is suspended, while Robin Le Normand and Cesar Azpilicueta are injured.

To highlight their importance, Atletico Madrid were dismantled midweek by Benfica. They lost 4-0, giving up 19 shots and seven big chances amounting to 4.46 xG.

It was an uncharacteristically poor display from Diego Simeone’s men, which should provide the hosts with some confidence.

Most recently in La Liga, Real Sociedad eased past Valencia 3-0, looking extremely fluid in the final third. Sergio Gomez was a standout performer, picking up two assists.

Conor Gallagher has mostly received plaudits for his defensive work rate, but also deserves credit for his contributions going forward.

He has already scored twice this season for Atletico Madrid, registering at least one shot on target in two out of his five league starts.

He often finds himself as the most advanced midfielder of the trio, with Koke and Rodrigo de Paul typically hanging deeper. For context, de Paul is yet to take a shot this season in all competitions, while Koke has only had a shot in one out of eight starts.

Because of that, Gallagher often pops up in the opposition box – exemplified by his goal against Valencia.

He also fancies himself from distance, and his other goal came from outside the box against Rayo Vallecano.

Takefusa Kubo had a relatively reserved start to the season in terms of shots, with just four attempts from his opening seven appearances. However, he has seen a massive uptick in the last two games.

The Japanese international had three shots against Valencia, including a goal.

He then accumulated five shots most recently against Anderlecht, despite only appearing off the bench for the second half.

Four of his shots were from a similar scenario, cutting in from the right wing onto his favoured left foot. All five shots came from inside the box, as Kubo managed two shots on target, but was unable to find the back of the net.

Kubo had exactly one shot in both head-to-head games against Atletico Madrid last season.

When given the opportunity, Marin has been extremely aggressive in his play, picking up two fouls against Anderlecht, and four fouls against Nice in his two starts so far.

Marin did not feature for Real Sociedad last season, but has seemingly been eager to impress. His average of 3.64 fouls per 90 is the highest total in the squad. Even when appearing off the bench, he made one foul in a three-minute spell against Espanyol, and one foul in nine minutes against Alaves.

Against the likes of Conor Gallagher and Rodrigo de Paul in midfield, Marin has an ideal matchup to commit a foul.