Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineup and Team News vs Osasuna: Simeone Faces Selection Crisis in Pamplona

Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid travel to the Estadio El Sadar on Tuesday night to face Osasuna in a La Liga Matchday 36 clash that has suddenly become a test of squad depth rather than title ambition. After a bitterly disappointing week that saw the Rojiblancos crash out of the Champions League semi-finals and then suffer a shock 1-0 defeat to Celta Vigo, the Argentine manager must now navigate a growing injury list and suspension issues.

While Atletico have already secured their place in next season’s Champions League—thanks to Spain’s extra coefficient spot—the mood around the Metropolitano is far from celebratory. Simeone will demand a response from his players in Pamplona, but with key attackers and midfielders unavailable, the lineup selection will be critical.

Here is the full predicted lineup, team news, and tactical analysis for Atletico Madrid’s crucial La Liga encounter with Osasuna.

Team News: A Midfield Crisis and a Star Striker Doubt

The biggest headline heading into this match concerns Julián Álvarez. The Argentine forward, who has been a talismanic figure since his summer arrival, is expected to miss the trip to Pamplona after picking up an ankle injury during the Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal. Sources close to the club confirm the injury is not severe, but Simeone is unlikely to risk him on the artificial turf at El Sadar with nothing tangible left to play for in the league.

The midfield department is in even worse shape. Johnny Cardoso has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a muscle injury, while Pablo Barrios is also unavailable due to a knock sustained in training. To compound matters, Álex Baena is serving a suspension after accumulating five yellow cards. This leaves Simeone with a severely depleted engine room.

On a positive note, Rodrigo De Paul is expected to be fit after being rested against Celta Vigo. The World Cup winner’s energy and passing range will be vital if Atletico are to break down a typically stubborn Osasuna side. Koke is also available and likely to start, providing the experience needed to steady a wobbling ship.

In defence, José María Giménez returns from a minor fitness issue, while Mario Hermoso and Nahuel Molina are both fully fit. The backline should be at full strength, which is a rare luxury for Simeone this season.

Predicted Atletico Madrid Lineup (4-4-2)

Given the injury and suspension crisis, Simeone is likely to revert to a pragmatic shape that prioritises defensive solidity before attacking flair. Here is the predicted XI:

Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
The Slovenian captain remains undroppable. Despite the recent 1-0 defeat to Celta, Oblak was not at fault and will be expected to organise his defence against Osasuna’s direct approach.

Defence: Nahuel Molina, José María Giménez, Mario Hermoso, Reinildo Mandava
The back four picks itself. Molina provides width on the right, while Reinildo’s recovery pace is crucial against Osasuna’s counter-attacks. Giménez and Hermoso have developed a solid partnership, and their aerial ability will be tested by Osasuna’s set-piece threat.

Midfield: Rodrigo De Paul, Koke, Axel Witsel, Samuel Lino
With Barrios, Cardoso, and Baena all out, Witsel will likely drop into a deeper midfield role alongside Koke. De Paul will operate on the right side of a diamond, while Lino offers direct running on the left. This quartet lacks creativity but brings steel and work rate.

Attack: Antoine Griezmann, Ángel Correa
Without Álvarez, the creative burden falls on Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman has been inconsistent in recent weeks but remains the team’s primary source of invention. Ángel Correa will start alongside him, tasked with using his sharp turns and close control to unlock Osasuna’s low block.

Key bench options: Memphis Depay, Rodrigo Riquelme, César Azpilicueta

Tactical Analysis: How Atletico Can Break the Deadlock

Atletico’s recent struggles are not a mystery. In their last two matches—against Arsenal and Celta Vigo—they created significant xG numbers but failed to score. According to FotMob, Atletico generated 2.18 xG against Celta compared to just 0.13 for the hosts, yet lost 1-0. This is a recurring theme: Simeone’s side dominate possession and chance creation but lack a clinical edge in the final third.

Against Osasuna, the problem will be compounded by the absence of Álvarez, who leads the line with relentless pressing and intelligent movement. Without him, Griezmann will need to drop deeper to link play, which can leave Correa isolated against two centre-backs. Expect Simeone to instruct his full-backs, particularly Molina, to push high and deliver crosses into the box.

Osasuna, managed by Jagoba Arrasate, will sit deep and look to hit on the break. Their home form at El Sadar is notoriously strong, and they will target Atletico’s high defensive line. The key battle will be in midfield: if De Paul and Koke can control the tempo, Atletico should create enough chances to win. However, if the visitors become frustrated, Osasuna’s physicality could cause problems.

One area where Atletico can exploit the hosts is from set pieces. Giménez and Hermoso are both aerial threats, and with Witsel in midfield, they have a target for corners. Simeone will likely drill his team on dead-ball situations during the final training session.

Expert Prediction and Final Verdict

This is a dangerous fixture for Atletico Madrid. They are low on confidence after two consecutive 1-0 defeats, missing key personnel, and facing a motivated Osasuna side that still harbours faint hopes of a European finish. However, there are reasons for optimism.

Atletico’s underlying numbers remain strong. The 2.18 xG against Celta was not an outlier—they have consistently created high-quality chances even in defeats. If Griezmann rediscovers his shooting boots and Correa brings his trademark unpredictability, the visitors should have enough firepower to secure three points.

Defensively, the return of Giménez stabilises the backline, and Oblak remains one of the best shot-stoppers in the league. Osasuna will rely on striker Ante Budimir’s aerial prowess, but Atletico’s centre-backs are well-equipped to handle that threat.

Prediction: Osasuna 1-2 Atletico Madrid
Expect a tight first half where Osasuna frustrate the visitors, but Atletico’s quality eventually tells. Griezmann to score a crucial goal from open play, with Correa adding a second before a late consolation for the hosts.

Conclusion

Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are at a crossroads. The Champions League exit stings, and the league form has dipped, but the season is not over. A strong finish in La Liga is essential to build momentum for the summer transfer window and to restore belief among the squad.

Tuesday’s clash with Osasuna is a test of character. With Julián Álvarez, Pablo Barrios, and Álex Baena all unavailable, this is a chance for fringe players like Ángel Correa and Samuel Lino to prove their worth. If Atletico can grind out a win in Pamplona, it will go a long way toward silencing the critics and ending the campaign on a positive note.

For Osasuna, a point would be a strong result, but Atletico’s desperation and superior individual quality should see them through. Expect a hard-fought, tactical battle—but one that ultimately ends with the Rojiblancos taking all three points.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.