Atletico Madrid vs Getafe: The Joao Felix era starts here

The 2018/19 LaLiga Santander season begins for Atletico Madrid and for Getafe on Sunday night at the Estadio Wanda Metropoitano, where there is much more optimism than some might have expected after the departure of a star player like Antoine Griezmann.

Having gone out and signed Joao Felix to fill the Frenchman's shoes and shirt, Atletico Madrid have new hope and the supporters are keen for the Portuguese's time at the club to get going.

The fact that he has been scoring or assisting once every 35 minutes during pre-season has provided cause for optimism as Diego Simeone's side once again try to ruffle the feathers of the LaLiga Santander giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

There are other new pieces too, as so many veterans departed in the summer.

On Sunday night, Kieran Trippier and Renan Lodi should make their competitive debuts at the full-back positions, while Marcos Llorente could start in the centre following his summer move from Real Madrid.

It'll be a good test for all these new arrivals, as Getafe were one of the surprises of the season last year as they finished fifth and Atleti will also have to cope without the suspended Angel Correa and Diego Costa.

Getafe, meanwhile, will be missing midfielder Nemanja Maksimovic due to a suspension of his own, plus the long-term injured Amath Ndiaye and Vitorino Antunes.

Atletico Madrid have a great record against Getafe in recent times, with Diego Simeone never having lost against them or having even seen the capital city neighbours score a goal, winning 13 and drawing two of the 15 contests.

The Argentine will hope for another win over Getafe this Sunday night, a victory that would get the Joao Felix era off to the perfect start.