Prediction: Atalanta vs Arsenal

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Getting their Champions League adventure underway on Thursday night, Arsenal will travel to Bergamo when they meet Atalanta.

Atalanta

Starting with the hosts, getting their hands on a maiden European crown last season as they secured a famous 3-0 romp against German record-breakers Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta certainly gained a string of plaudits from across the continent. Marking their return from September’s international break with a thrilling comeback at home against Fiorentina last weekend as they eventually snatched a 3-2 victory in Bergamo, La Dea are still trying to find some crucial stability. Suffering back-to-back defeats prior to the fortnight interval, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have shown some worrying issues at the back. Heading into September’s break with a woeful 4-0 drumming at the hands of reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan, Atalanta have now shipped eight goals in just their last three domestic appearances.

Team News

Suffering a long-term knee injury during Atalanta’s pre-season preparations, former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca remains on the sidelines and will not feature on Thursday night. Likewise, missing out against Fiorentina over the weekend, summer recruit and ex-Everton defender Ben Godfrey remains a doubt here.

Eventually staying put in Bergamo over the summer despite serious European interest, Nigeria international Ademola Lookman will play a leading role in the final third. Notching four goals in as many Serie A appearances so far this season, 25-year-old Mateo Retegui will spearhead La Dea’s charge.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, while Arsenal might have eventually fallen short last season in the race to get their hands on a first Premier League crown since 2004, the Gunners haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. Marking their return from September’s international break with a stellar 1-0 victory away at arch-rivals Tottenham, Mikel Arteta’s men have come flying out of the traps. Mustering 10 points from their first four Premier League appearances, Thursday’s guests are pencilled in as a genuine European contender this season. Making a real statement last month as they clinched an eye-catching 2-0 win away at Aston Villa, Arsenal have continued to shine with their performances outside of north London. In fact, continuing on from last season, Arteta’s side have won five of their previous six showdowns away from the Emirates.

Team News

While England international Declan Rice might have missed out away at Spurs over the weekend after serving a one-match suspension, the former West Ham skipper will make a full return here. However, suffering a twisted ankle while away with Norway over the international break, Martin Odegaard is not expected to feature on Thursday night.

Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, the likes of Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu and summer recruit Mikel Merino will not feature in midweek. Completing a shock Deadline Day move from London rivals Chelsea, Raheem Sterling will be hoping to make a first Arsenal start in Bergamo.

Key Factors to Consider

• Thursday’s Champions League showdown in Bergamo will be the first competitive meeting between Atalanta and Arsenal.
• La Dea have conceded eight goals in their three Serie A appearances on either side of September’s international break.
• Arsenal have collected 10 points from their first four Premier League appearances this season.
• Continuing on from last season, the Gunners have won five of their previous six showdowns away from the Emirates.
• Mateo Retegui has scored four goals in as many Serie A appearances so far this season.

Conclusion

Marking their return from September’s international break with a stellar 1-0 victory away at arch-rivals Tottenham, Arsenal should be relishing a trip to Bergamo on Thursday night. Flying out of the traps since opening up the new campaign, the Gunners will also be excited by their continued success on the road. Winning five of their previous six competitive appearances away from the Emirates and making a real statement last month as they clinched a 2-0 win away at Aston Villa, we are backing Arteta’s squad to open their Champions League adventure with a victory on foreign soil.

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet