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Here at bettingexpert, we have a prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview ahead of the match between Atalanta vs Arsenal. An intriguing encounter is likely between two impressive outfits.
The Champions League is back. It’s a whole new format. More importantly, there’s a load more matches to look forward to. There are 18 games across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. What a treat we are in for.
Europe, Champions League, Thursday, 19th September, 20:00 (UK)
Arsenal proved how they can adapt when key personnel are absent. Tottenham had hoped to earn a positive result in the North London Derby. Arteta’s men were without Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard but still found a way to win the contest.
The Gunners were strong away from home last term. They conceded just 13 goals in 19 away Premier League matches. Arsenal have travelled to Villa and Spurs so far this term, having left with two clean sheets.
Atalanta will relish the chance to play Champions League football. They face a tough opening encounter. They’ll be street-smart and will respect the London club. Gasperini’s men claimed Europa League triumph in 23/24 and did so in some style. The Italians knocked out Sporting, Liverpool and Marseille before dismantling an unbeaten Leverkusen in the final. Don’t underestimate Atalanta.
It’s tricky to back against Arsenal here. They’ve proven themselves many times over the last couple of seasons. Seven of their ten matches in this competition last season saw three or fewer goals. They’re a tough side to crack. I’m expecting another professional performance from Arteta’s men.
Big game, big players. Ademola Lookman. What a sensational performance it was from the Nigerian in Dublin. A sublime hat trick in the biggest game of the season. The Atalanta man has been on fire since the final. I expect Lookman to put on a show in Bergamo on Thursday night.
Ademola played his first league match over the weekend for Atalanta. He didn’t disappoint. The 26-year-old scored and registered an assist. The forward will be brimming with confidence. Lookman will be eager to show his worth on the biggest of stages.
We can back the Nigerian to take two shots, with at least one hitting the target. The price is appealing for a player on top of their game. Arsenal have allowed 3, 3, 4 and 5 shots on target in their opening four games of the season.
The attacking trio of Charles De Ketelaere, Ademola Lookman and Mateo Retegui will be dangerous. They’ve all started the season impressively. Ademola Lookman is playing the best football of his career. It’ll be worthwhile to get the prices onside, given the circumstances.
I’m dipping into the fouls market for my third selection. I expect both of these players to feature from the first whistle.
Marten De Roon has been a busy boy so far this season. The Dutchman has started all four Serie A matches in central midfield. He’s committed 11 fouls in that time. Marten’s numbers have been great. Two or more fouls have arrived on all four occasions.
The 33-year-old averaged 1.40 fouls per 90 across the Europa League last season. In Serie A across 23/24, that average was 1.49 per 90.
Jurrien Timber is the other player in question. And another Dutchman. I’m confident the Arsenal man commits at least one foul at the Gewiss Stadium. The Arsenal man has started each of the three previous matches under Arteta. He’s seen this line land on all three fixtures and has received a card in the last two.
With both sides eager to start their Champions League campaign in winning style, the players will be giving everything for the badge. The numbers look well in our favour. Let’s hope that continues in what should be a tense battle under the lights.
Atalanta vs Arsenal Prediction odds via bet365 as at 15:30, September 16th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
The home side will be without Scamacca, Scalvini, Godfrey and Toloi for this encounter. The latter two are likely to return to action in a matter of weeks. Scamacca and Scalvini won’t be active until 2025.
Mikel Arteta is without Zinchenko, Tierney, Odegaard, Merino, Calafiori and Tomiyasu. That’s a lot of defensive absentees. Arsenal did the job with a depleted squad against Spurs. They’ll be confident they can earn a positive result here.
Atalanta possible starting lineup:
Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac, Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri, De Ketelaere, Lookman, Retegui
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Rice, Partey, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli, Trossard
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