Introduction to the Match
The stage is set for an exciting Champions League encounter between Atalanta and Chelsea. Our betting expert expects Atalanta to bounce back to their resilient best and avoid defeat against Chelsea. All odds are courtesy of bet365, correct at the time of publishing and subject to change.
Momentum with the Hosts
The hosts should be pleased to return to the New Balance Arena, where they have not lost a game in this competition this season. Their previous 3-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt set them on a three-game winning streak. That victory stretched their undefeated run in this competition to four games. They won three of those fixtures, while one ended in a draw. Their record against English opposition is poor, with only one win in their last seven attempts in this competition. With this being their first head-to-head, it’s a chance for both sides to secure the first win.
Chelsea face a challenge due to their poor performance in away games. Their recent goalless draw with Bournemouth means that they have failed to win three consecutive games. They’re also winless in their previous four UCL away matches, as they lost three of them. The home side are in a good position to register their first competitive victory over the Blues. However, they will likely draw if they fail to achieve victory.
- Atalanta vs Chelsea Prediction 1: Double chance – Atalanta/ Draw @ 4/5 with bet365
Chelsea’s Attack Faces a Difficult Challenge
Chelsea are struggling in away matches. They failed to score at the weekend, even with Palmer in the starting 11, and only netted three goals in their two away fixtures in this competition. Moreover, they’re facing a side that prioritise being defensively solid. Atalanta have kept clean sheets across their three consecutive victories, a bedrock that Palladino is building on. They also kept a clean sheet in their last home UCL game, which ended in a goalless draw against Slavia Prague. That means Atalanta have not conceded a goal in this competition for three consecutive games, regardless of the venue. It’s also worth noting that only two of La Dea’s last eight competitive matches saw both teams score.
Scamacca Remains a Major Threat
While Gianluca Scamacca has yet to score in the Champions League, he is Atalanta’s primary goal threat. The Italian forward is in great form, having recorded one goal and one assist in his last two games. Scamacca managed an assist the last time out in this competition against Frankfurt, but he’ll be eager to find the back of the net here. Considering he’s the club’s leading scorer in Serie A this season, he is likely to cause problems for the Blues’ back line.
Analysis of Both Teams
- Score prediction: Atalanta 1-1 Chelsea
- Goalscorers prediction: Atalanta: Gianluca Scamacca
Currently placed 10th in the Champions League, Atalanta have a strong chance of securing a top-eight finish in the league phase. With only three matchdays remaining, victory against Chelsea would be the ideal result from this Tuesday’s encounter. However, their preparation for this match didn’t go as they expected, as they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Hellas Verona on Saturday. Raffaele Palladino has been mostly successful after replacing Ivan Juric as manager.
The Italian has already overseen five games, registering three victories and two defeats. The club parted ways with Juric because they had too many drawn matches under his leadership. However, Palladino has improved La Dea’s form, which will make this a difficult match for Chelsea. The Blues were considered as contenders for the Premier League title just a week ago. However, they failed to secure a place in the top four as they suffered some poor results in a matter of days.
There is good news for Enzo Maresca, though, as his star player, Cole Palmer, returns to action in the last two games. The Englishman will be crucial for the remainder of the season, provided he stays healthy. This match marks Chelsea’s 100th away game in European competitions, so they will hope to consolidate their seventh place position. If the Blues can win in Bergamo, they will greatly improve their chances of avoiding an extra round of knockouts.
Predicted Lineups for Atalanta vs Chelsea
- Atalanta expected lineup: Carnesecchi, Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti, Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta, De Ketelaere, Scamacca, Lookman
- Chelsea expected lineup: Sanchez, James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Garnacho, Pedro
Conclusion
In conclusion, Atalanta and Chelsea are set to engage in a thrilling Champions League encounter. With Atalanta’s strong home record and Chelsea’s struggles in away games, the hosts have a good chance of securing a positive result. However, Chelsea’s return to form with Cole Palmer back in action could pose a significant threat to Atalanta’s chances. The match is expected to be closely contested, with both teams having a lot to play for in terms of their Champions League standings. Ultimately, a draw seems like a likely outcome, but Atalanta’s resilience at home makes them a formidable opponent for Chelsea.
