Prediction and odds for the game: Manchester United (3/4) vs Atalanta (10/3)

We are backing the draw at odds of 3/1

When: Wednesday 20 October 2021 Kick-off 20:00

Where: Old Trafford

On Wednesday night, Manchester United host Atalanta at Old Trafford, in what could be a pivotal game in Group F of the Champions League.

Manchester United

Red Devils head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is facing a major test of his managerial ability with his team on a poor recent run of form. A 4-2 defeat at Leicester last weekend means that United have now won just one of their last five games in all competitions, having suffered three defeats in the process.

However, that one win could prove to be crucial, as it was in their last Champions League match when they defeated Villarreal 2-1 at Old Trafford. The victory was needed because the men from Manchester had suffered a 2-1 loss in their opening game of the group against Young Boys.

The win over the Yellow Submarine also ended a three-game losing streak in the Champions League for United. With the group still very open, the Red Devils are in second place behind Wednesday night’s opponents in the standings.

Atalanta

Like their hosts, the Nerazzurri have experienced a slightly inconsistent start to their campaign. Gian Piero Gasperini’s team are currently sitting in sixth place in Serie A, having accrued 14 points in the Italian top-flight.

A good illustration of their inconsistent form of late is the fact that the visitors have won four of their previous eight games in all competitions. They do head into this potentially vital clash on the back of a 4-1 win at Empoli, which is certainly a positive for the visitors.

A 1-0 win over Young Boys in their last Champions League outing ended a three-game run without a win in European football’s elite competition. In fact, it was only the Nerazzurri’s third victory in their last nine matches in the competition. Rather unusually for free-scoring Atalanta, there has been under 2.5 goals scored in five of their previous seven European games.

The visitors have failed to win either of their last two away matches in the Champions League. However, they won their previous five away games prior to their mini winless away streak. They have also scored at least two goals in five of their previous seven away matches in the Champions League.

Conclusion

It would be hard to argue that either of these are in great form heading into this clash. The home team are under great pressure to produce a result but are struggling to really get going. Atalanta are not quite as effective as last season either. We are backing this game to produce a high-scoring and entertaining draw.

Our Tips: We are backing the draw at odds of 3/1 and/or over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 8/15. (All odds are taken from Bet365)

[geosnippet id=3620]

Are you looking for a bookmaker for Manchester United vs Atalanta? Well, why not check out our betting page for the bookmakers we recommend for your wager. If you are looking for more previews and tips, you may also be interested in our soccer predictions page, where we post regularly.

Who will take the initiative in Group F of the Champions League?