Diego Simeone insisted “everyone must be ready” in his Atletico Madrid squad as they look to climb up the LaLiga table.

Atleti have collected just 13 points from their first eight games in LaLiga this season (W3 D4 L1), their lowest tally at this stage of a campaign in the competition since 2011/12 (10 points, W2 D4 L2) when they finished fifth.

They have also dropped 11 points from winning positions in the Spanish top-flight this season, more than any other team in Europe's top five leagues.

Atletico host Osasuna in their next league match before difficult away trips to Arsenal in the Champions League and Real Betis in LaLiga.

They are already eight points behind rivals Real Madrid at the top of the league, and currently trail Barcelona by six.

When asked about Matteo Ruggeri’s lack of minutes, with the defender starting just once in their last six games, Simeone was adamant that players must be ready to play whenever called upon, and in any position needed.

“Matteo Ruggeri's playtime? From the first match until now, there have been many changes due to injuries and suspensions,” said Simeone.

“He played well in the Champions League. Everyone must be ready.

"[On Nico Gonzalez playing at full-back] His qualities allow him to play in several positions.

“He has the ability to offer different options, and we’ll always decide based on what the team needs.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Atletico Madrid – Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann could become the 11th player to reach 200 goals in LaLiga history (currently on 199).

However, the Frenchman has failed to score in any of his four previous home matches against Osasuna at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in LaLiga.

Osasuna – Raul Garcia

Raul Garcia scored his only LaLiga brace in 79 matches against Atleti at the Metropolitano in May 2024, becoming one of only five players to net a brace against them at that stadium in LaLiga, alongside Inaki Williams, Enes Unal, Borja Mayoral and Ferran Torres.

MATCH PREDICTION – ATLETICO MADRID WIN

Atletico have won eight of their nine home LaLiga matches against Osasuna under Simeone, with the sole exception being a 4-1 defeat in May 2024, which is the joint-heaviest home defeat suffered by the Argentine as a manager in the competition (also 4-1 against Real Madrid in April 2012).

Osasuna have not won in any of their last six away games against Madrid clubs in LaLiga (D2 L4), since that 4-1 in May 2024.

Osasuna have also lost all four of their away games in LaLiga this season, their worst start to a league campaign since 2012/13 under Jose Luis Mendilíbar, when they lost their first five away matches.

However, Atleti have lost two of their last three LaLiga matches against Osasuna (W1), after winning each of their previous 11 against them in the competition.

And Osasuna manager Alessio Lisci won his only previous LaLiga game against Atletico, a 1-0 win with Levante in February 2022.

Only three managers have recorded two or more away wins in the competition against the Rojiblancos under Diego Simeone: Jose Mourinho (two), Luis Enrique (three) and Xavi Hernandez (two).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Atletico Madrid – 66.2%

Draw – 19.3%

Osasuna – 14.5%