Prediction: Atalanta vs Sporting

Verdict: Atalanta over 1.75 goals

Best odds: 2.06

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Atalanta and Sporting left the qualification in the Europa League quarter-finals wide open, following the stalemate in Lisbon. The 4th episode from this season’s battle between the Italians and the Portuguese will be decisive however. The hosts will count on their fans’ support at Gewiss Stadium from Bergamo to edge Sporting and progress further in the Europa League.

Atalanta

Atalanta have had a great season, competing at the highest level both in Europe and domestically. Gasperini’s team topped group D of the Europa League being undefeated (W4, D2), keeping likewise chances in the Seria A for a top 4 finish.

However, the host’s form has recently dipped, failing to secure a win in their last five competitive games. Besides, a tough season with games played in several competitions has taken its toll on players, who displayed fatigue in recent matches.

After an excellent streak of six consecutive  Serie A wins, Atalanta lost ground in Serie A’s top 4 fight, allowing Bologna and Roma to lead the race. If losing at Meazza against defending champions Inter was expected, the home meltdown against Bologna was a shock for Gasperini’s side.

Nevertheless, the home side proved against Sporting and Juventus an ability to get back in the game. Although they dominated both matches, La Dea trailed the Portuguese side and Juve. A second-half pace increase led to Atalanta scoring, proving Gasperini’s team is difficult to defeat.

Team News

Atalanta has no major injury concerns. The Orobici can line up the best formation. Gasperini will stick to his 3-4-1-2 attacking system, hoping his team to score early and lead at halftime. 

Scalvini, Djimsiti and Kolasinac will play in the back line with Ruggeri, de Roon, Pasalic and Zapacosta holding the midfield. Koopmeiners will assist strikers Lookman and De Ketelaere who will be looking to get their name on the scoresheet.

Sporting

Sporting have exceeded all expectations this season, dominating the Portuguese league and performing at the highest level in Europe. The Lions are leaders in the Liga Portugal with one point above local rivals Benfica, having also a game in hand.

Ruben Amorim created a strong side that is very difficult to beat. Benfica, Braga, Vittoria Guimaraes and Atalanta are the only sides who defeated Sporting this season across all competitions. The Green and Whites are leading the goals scored charts, netting 69 times in 24 Liga Portugal rounds.

Sporting is a difficult opponent for any home side. The Portuguese team won 8 of their last 10 games on the road defeating also in the Europa League Young Boys and Sturm Graz. However, Atalanta is the only side with a clear h2h advantage over Sporting this season.

Ruben Amorim’s team travels to Italy with high confidence following the weekend away win at Arouca. Despite taking an early lead in the game, Sporting finished the job late by scoring twice in stoppage time (0-3 final score).

Team News

Despite the busy schedule, Ruben Amorim has all his players fit and available for the trip to Bergamo. Sporting will line up a counter-attacking team, looking to explore the spaces behind Atalanta’s defensive line.

Viktor Gyokeres is in excellent form leading the goalscorer race in the Portuguese league. The talented Swedish striker scored 19 goals in the domestic league and five in the Europa League. He will spearhead the attack, assisted by Trincao and Pedro Concalves from the sides, hoping to score against Atalanta.

Key factors to consider

• Atalanta is undefeated against Sporting in the three games played in the Europa League this season. Gasperini’s team won against the Lions in the group stage with the other two results ending up undecided
• The hosts failed to win any of their last 5 competitive games (D3, L2)
• The Italian side gave some recovery signs at Allianz Stadium from Torino, coming back from behind against Juventus in a 2-2 standoff
• Sporting is one of the most in-form teams in Europe, losing only four games across all competitions this season
• The visitors scored at least one goal in the last 11 games played
• Viktor Gyokeres is in great form topping the goals-scored charts in Portugal. The Swedish striker  provided as well nine assists for his teammates

Conclusion

Atalanta are the favourites to win the game and progress to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Although Sporting is difficult to defeat, the visitors focus more on regaining their Portugual champions crown.

Considering the incredible record of goals scored by the hosts at Gewiss Stadium we are backing Atalanta to score two or more goals.

Verdict: Atalanta over 1.75 goals

Best odds: 2.06

Bookmaker: ZetBet