Atalanta vs Arsenal: Prediction, Preview And Betting Odds

Arsenal's away record in Europe has been pretty poor recently, with the Gunners winning just one of their last five in this competition, a set of results that includes losses to the likes of Lens (2-1) and Porto (1-0) and a 1-1 draw with PSV. Atalanta, on the other hand, lost just one game in European competition last season, a 0-1 loss to Liverpool, and will prove a very tricky opponent. We predict: Atalanta 1-1 Arsenal.

The Champions League returns this Thursday, bringing with it an intriguing clash between Atalanta and Arsenal.

• Date: 19/09/2024
• Kick-off time: 20:00
• Location: Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia, Bergamo

Atalanta's rise as a European contender under Gian Piero Gasperini has been a remarkable journey, with their Europa League victory last season marking a historic achievement for the club. Despite a mixed start to the current Serie A campaign, Atalanta remain a formidable team, particularly in European competitions. The loss of key midfielder Teun Koopmeiners to Juventus was a blow, but new signings like Raoul Bellanova and Mateo Retegui have bolstered the squad, with Retegui making an immediate impact by scoring four goals in his first four games. Meanwhile, Arsenal are similarly focused on European success, aiming to secure their first major continental trophy in the Champions League. After a quarter-final exit last season, Arsenal have started the 2023-24 Premier League campaign strongly, sitting second, with key players like Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka performing well. Mikel Arteta's tactical discipline will be tested against Gasperini's unpredictable Atalanta side in what promises to be a high-stakes clash.

Atalanta secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fiorentina at the weekend in a match packed with action, particularly in the first half. Fiorentina struck first after 15 minutes, but Atalanta quickly equalized through Mateo Retegui. Moise Kean restored Fiorentina's lead, only for Charles De Keteleare to level the score right before halftime. Just a minute later, Ademola Lookman netted what would be the match-winning goal. This win followed a tough stretch for Atalanta, including a heavy 4-0 defeat to Inter Milan and a loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup. Meanwhile, Arsenal achieved a vital 1-0 victory over rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with Gabriel Magalhães scoring the decisive header in the 64th minute. Despite missing key players like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal's solid defense secured the win. Earlier results included a 1-1 draw with Brighton and 2-0 victories against Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Atalanta Team News:

The front three of Ademola Lookman, Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere all got on the scoresheet at the weekend so the trio should remain untouched here.

Giorgio Scalvini and Gianluca Scamacca both remain long-term absentees with ACL injuries.

Predicted lineup: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui.

Arsenal Team News:

The Gunners could be without Bukayo Saka, who came off the pitch late at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium with an injury.

Martin Ødegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko will both miss out through injury once again, but Declan Rice will return to the starting lineup after missing the North London derby due to suspension.

Predicted lineup: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Jorginho, Partey; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.

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