Prediction and odds for the game: Atalanta (3/4) v Valencia (10/3)
We are backing the home win
When: Wednesday 19th February 2020, Kick-off * PM
Where: The San Siro
On Wednesday night, Atalanta host Valencia at the San Siro in the Champions League last-16 first leg.
Atalanta
The home side has been one of the most entertaining teams to watch in Serie A this season. In fact, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team are currently the highest scorers in the Italian top-flight and look in good shape to clinch another top-four finish this season.
The Nerazzurri have experienced a rather strange debut campaign in the Champions League this season. They lost their first three group games, but seven points garnered in their last three matches saw an incredible turnaround and proved enough to see them through to the last-16 of the competition.
As has been the trend with Atalanta games, their matches in the Champions League this season have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in four of their six matches.
Atalanta have played their three home games in the Champions League at the San Siro, winning once, drawing once and suffering one defeat in Milan. The Nerazzurri will be confident of improving that record in Europe’s elite competition.
Valencia
Los Ches head into this clash on the back of a three-game winless run in all competitions. However, a 2-2 draw with fourth-place Atletico Madrid last time out kept Albert Celades’ team in with a chance of clinching a Champions League spot for next season.
Unusually for the visitors, their recent matches have been high-scoring of late, as their last three outings have produced over 2.5 goals. With Atalanta’s attacking prowess another high-scoring game is likely in this encounter.
Valencia ended their group stage campaign with a four-game unbeaten run, consisting of two wins and two draws. In fact, the visitors have suffered just one defeat in their last seven matches in Europe’s elite competition.
Los Ches have an unconvincing recent away record in the Champions League, winning just two of their last away matches in Europe’s elite competition. To go slightly further back, the visitors have also won just three of their last 11 games on their travels in the competition.
To contrast that unconvincing away record, the Spanish side are unbeaten on the road in their three away matches this season in the Champions League, having recorded two victories.
Conclusion
This has the makings of an intriguing tie. However, are backing the home side to record a victory, as the Nerazzurri are in good form and will be confident of making it past Los Ches to feature in their first-ever Champions League quarter-final.
As with every Atalanta game, a bet on a high-scoring match is usually a safe one. We are backing the over 2.5 goals scored. Atalanta’s attacking treat coupled with the absence of key Valencia centre-back Gabriel through suspension should mean the home side once again prospering in front of goal.
Verdict: We are backing the home win at odds of 3/4 and/or the over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 8/11. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Will Atalanta continue their stellar recent form on Wednesday night?
