It is not often that the most high profile game of the weekend in La Liga is on a Monday night, yet Atletico Madrid's trip to Valencia is without doubt the pick of the opening round of fixtures in the Spanish top flight.
Last season's runners-up in the Primera Division head to Mestalla having claimed the UEFA Super Cup in midweek against arch rivals Real Madrid, and belief is mounting that Atletico can sustain a serious title push this term.
Valencia will have to juggle a return to the Champions League with domestic duties this term, although given it was Atleti who were in midweek European action, Los Che could be a little fresher for the clash on Monday evening.
Latest odds
Only four teams beat Diego Simeone's men in La Liga in the 2017/18 campaign and Valencia were not one of them.
Getty ImagesWilliam Hill price Atleti as slight favourites at 29/20 (2.45) to pick up three points, while the hosts can be backed at 19/10 (2.90) and the draw is priced at 9/4 (3.25).
Team news
Left-back Lucas Hernandez will miss the game for Atletico through suspension, although Simeone has pretty much a fully fit squad to chose from.
For Valencia, new forward signings Kevin Gameiro and Michy Batshuayi are likely to be on the bench.
Preview
Last season saw Atletico finish the season once more with the best defensive record in the division, conceding just 22 goals in 38 matches.
The two clean sheets they kept against Valencia were part of a total of 23 shutouts over the course of the campaign, with 25 of their league games seeing less than three goals scored.
Under 2.5 goals is offered at 6/10 (1.60) which has paid out in seven of the last 11 meetings between these two sides, although there are perhaps more intelligent ways of investing in a tight game.
Tips and predictions
Three of the last four meetings between these two sides have been goalless at half-time and a repeat is offered at an appealing 6/4 (2.50).
Furthermore, all four of those meetings have seen at least one side keep a clean sheet and opposing both teams to score is available at 4/5 (1.80).
Under 0.5 goals first half at 6/4 (2.50) for a 2pt stake with William Hill
William Hill