Football: Aguirre may be focusing on saving his La Liga life; ATLETICO MADRID v LIVERPOOL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SKY SPORTS 2 7.45pm.

Byline: By Mark Langdon

ATLETICO MADRID fought hard to make sure their Champions League clash against Liverpool could take place at the Vicente Calderon, but it appears they have bigger things to worry about than the European tie.

Uefa had originally banned Atletico from hosting this contest, yet the Spaniards won their appeal much to the relief of the Liverpool supporters who had already paid for their flights and hotels in Madrid.

However, having rescued their trip, the Liverpool fans could now be within their rights to ask for a refund on their match tickets because it is unlikely to be a first choice Atletico starting 11 which turns out this evening.

Spanish newspaper Marca yesterday reported Atletico boss Javier Aguirre was preparing to make as many as eight changes to the team who started their last La Liga match.

That 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday made it three straight La Liga losses and the pressure is beginning to increase on Aguirre, who has also seen his side lose 1-0 at home to Seville and get hammered 6-1 at Barcelona.

Sunday's match away to Villarreal has suddenly taken on greater importance than the Champions League, particularly as Atletico have already taken a maximum six points from their opening two group encounters.

The star of those performances was unquestionably Sergio Aguero, who is almost certain to be rested tonight if the media reports in Spain are correct.

Aguirre is worried of burnout for Aguero, who has notched three times in the Champions League proper and he also broke the deadlock in the qualifier against strong German outfit Schalke.

Aguero went to the Olympics with Argentina this summer and that is beginning to take its toll on a player who has everything needed to be a superstar. He managed 20 goals in La Liga in the 2007-08 campaign, yet Kun's last domestic goal came way back on September 20.

The 20-year-old needs a rest and Atletico are hardly weak up front with Diego Forlan and Florent Sinama-Pongolle leading the line.

Forlan has managed an impressive 72 goals in 143 appearances in Spain for first Villarreal and more recently Atletico and he is a different player from the one who struggled to adapt to English life with Manchester United.

Sinama-Pongolle is another player who appears to be enjoying life away from the Premier League.

He flopped at Liverpool, yet he has banged in four La Liga goals in six outings for Atletico having previously impressed out of the limelight at Recreativo.

So Benitez will know not to take Atletico lightly despite the anticipated team the hosts select and their probable starting 11 contains a number of internationals.

However, with Aguero in the stands, Atletico will most definitely not have the X Factor.

TEAM NEWS

Atletico Madrid

Reports suggest Atletico could make wholesale changes with Sergio Aguero among those rested. Tomas Ujfalusi, and Maxi Rodriguez are injured and John Heitinga is a major doubt, but Pablo returned to training yesterday.

Liverpool

As expected, Fernando Torres was missing from the travelling party, while Javier Mascherano returns after missing the weekend win over Wigan. Martin Skrtel remains crocked and Sami Hyypia is not registered for European competition.

STORY SO FAR

Atletico Madrid Liverpool

6 Points from last five league games 13

15 Points from last ten league games 26

WWWLWWWWLL Last ten homes/aways (latest on right) WLDWDWWdWW

2.2 Average goals scored in home/away league games 1.5

0.7 Average goals conceded in home/away league games 0.5

n/a Average corners gained 8.8

n/a Average corners conceded 3.2

n/a Average corners gained home/away 6.7

n/a Average corners conceded home/away 3.5

32.1 Average bookings points (10 per yellow, 25 per red) 15.0

KEY STAT

Atletico have not lost in six previous European home matches against English opposition, with four wins and two draws

CAPTION(S):

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre is feeling the pressure; PROBABLE LINE-UPS