Against All Odds: Snoozefest for the Mattress Makers

1Jun 2013

Primera Division Spanyol

Real Zaragoza welcome Atletico Madrid to La Romareda this evening knowing that they will surely have to win at all costs, however Paul Robinson thinks the away side will keep them at bay in a low scoring affair.

Real Zaragoza didn't start the season too badly but things have turned sour in 2013. They've won just two of 20 matches in this calendar year - losing 12, including their last two. Manolo Jiménez's men did have a brief rally a few weeks ago as they recorded back to back wins over Mallorca and Rayo Vallecano, but they weren't able to build on that and they look destined for the Segunda Division.

The Blanquillos have failed to score in two of their last three and of their 18 matches at home so far this term, they have scored one goal or less on 12 occasions - eight of which were blanks.

Atletico Madrid have had a fine campaign under Diego Simeone and while they'll be disappointed with their relatively early exit from the Europa League, they have comfortably finished third in La Liga and will be pitting their wits against the cream of European football next season.

It remains to be seen if Radamel Falcao will still be at the club for that though as he's been heavily linked with a move away - possibly to Monaco. The Colombian has netted 28 goals in the league this year for Atletico and while I'm sure he'll be trying his best to reach 30 - in what could be his final start for Simeone - he's scored just two in his last five appearances.

The Mattress Makers have conceded only one goal in their last seven on the road with five of those fixtures going under 2.5. Their defence is resolute and while Zaragoza need to go for the win, they should have enough quality to keep them out. All things considered, over 2.5 goals is just too short at around the 1.96 mark and that's why I'm making it my lay of the day.