Atalanta face Liverpool in a previewed clash, with predictions and top betting picks up for grabs.
Thursdays' UEFA Europa League quarter-final will find Atalanta hosting Liverpool at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. After an impressive performance at Anfield in the first leg, Atalanta holds a commanding 3-0 lead. The victor from this tie will face off against either Marseille or Benfica in the semi-finals, marking Atalanta's first European semi since 1988.
However, Atalanta's recent form has been lackluster, with only three victories in their last eleven matches. Their inconsistency was highlighted by a 4-0 loss to Inter Milan and a 3-0 win at Napoli. They entered the first leg on the back of successive losses to Fiorentina and Cagliari. Last Monday's match against Hellas Verona saw them draw 2-2 despite holding a 2-0 advantage.
For this encounter, Gian Piero Gasperini's team may opt for a more defensive approach, settling for a 1-0 defeat if it means reaching the next stage of the competition.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have been showing signs of fatigue, winning just three of their last eight matches across competitions. They suffered a 4-3 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup, while their last six fixtures have produced three losses. Their preceding league encounters saw Brighton and Sheffield United defeated 2-1 and 3-1, respectively, while a draw with Manchester United was damaging due to missed opportunities. Following a 3-0 home loss to Atalanta last week, they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace this weekend.
Jurgen Klopp will reportedly field his best XI in an attempt to turn things around. Despite being without Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, and Conor Bradley, he is expected to look for a spark from the likes of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cody Gakpo, and Diogo Jota.
With Liverpool displaying a considerable threat, Atalanta will need to remain focused on their gameplan. If they can maintain their composure and harness their attacking prowess, they stand a strong chance of booking their place in the next round.
Key statistical indicators suggest that Liverpool have struggled in their recent matches, losing three out of their last six, while Atalanta's Gianluca Scamacca has netted seven goals in his last eight matches. Additionally, Liverpool boast an impressive away record, having scored ten goals in their last three matches away from home.
Whoever emerges victorious from this highly anticipated encounter will have a significant opportunity to claim prestigious silverware and secure a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.
- Atalanta's upcoming match against Liverpool in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final, scheduled at the Gewiss Stadium, will be crucial for their attempts to advance to the semi-finals, given their 3-0 lead from the first leg.
- With inconsistent form, Atalanta may adopt a more defensive strategy, seeking a narrow 1-0 win to secure their place in the competition's next stage, as they aim to compete in the European semi-finals since 1988.
- Liverpool, despite displaying fatigue with three victories in their last eight matches, will field their best XI, counting on stars such as Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cody Gakpo, and Diogo Jota to turn the fortune in their favor.
- If Atalanta can stay focused, harness their attacking prowess, and exploit Liverpool's recent struggles, they will have an excellent opportunity to clinch the next round of the competition, potentially securing berths in prestigious silverware and the UEFA Champions League for the following season.
