Deportivo Alavés vs Atlético de Madrid

Deportivo Alavés host Atlético Madrid at Mendizorrotza on Saturday in a Round 8 clash between two in-form sides. Atlético sit second with 16 points from seven games, firmly in the title picture, while Alavés occupy sixth on 11 points with a healthy +5 goal difference, one of the league's early surprises. Atlético arrive red-hot, scoring eight goals in their last five matches, including a derby win over Real Madrid and routs of Osasuna and Real Sociedad. Julián Álvarez has become the attacking focal point since Antoine Griezmann's exit, while Kang-In Lee leads the squad for chances created. Alavés have cooled after a bright start, failing to score in their last two games despite earlier wins over Villarreal and a 5-2 win over Osasuna, with Mariano Díaz their main threat. The two sides have met often, with Atlético winning 11 of their meetings to Alavés's two. Expect goals in a free-flowing encounter, but Atlético's superior form gives them the edge. Our prediction: 1-2