Atletico Madrid v Udinese preview

A 2-0 home victory over Atletico a fortnight ago saw Francesco Guidolin's side go three points clear of the Spanish outfit at the top of Group I. Another win on Thursday night would ensure the Italians of finishing at least second in the final standings, and leave Atletico to battle it out with Celtic and Rennes for the other qualifying spot. "We are in a good position and we want to continue to do well in Europe," Guidolin said. Udinese, who are unbeaten in the group phase, would be certain of finishing in top spot if they win and Celtic draw with Rennes in the night's other group game. Guidolin has warned his players to expect an even more determined Atletico to the one they beat last month. "Atletico played very well against us in Italy," Guidolin said. "They are a strong team and we expect a very difficult game. But we want to give continuity to our results." Udinese head into the encounter on the back of last weekend's 1-0 win over Palermo. The result lifted Udinese to second in the standings, one point behind Serie A leaders Juventus. Guidolin has opted to leave regular starters Antonio Di Natale, Mauricio Isla, Giampiero Pinzi and Gabriel Torje in Udine in view of this weekend's encounter against Siena. Diego Fabbrini is set to partner Floro Flores in Udinese's attack. Udinese have not won in six European away games and Atletico fans will hope that run continues on Thursday. Atletico go into the encounter bolstered by their 3-1 Primera Division win over Real Zaragoza that ended a run of seven games without a victory. "We had gone into that game on the back of a bad run," Atletico defender Diego Godin said. "We finally won and scored goals and now we hope the good vibes continue. "If we play well and we win then things will become much easier for us. "We have a difficult game against Udinese and we hope we can have a good performance in front of our home fans and get the three points." Atletico coach Gregorio Manzano has recovered Juanfran and Silvio from injury.