Verdict: Atalanta double chance
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Seeking what is a real Europa League miracle on Thursday night, Liverpool will travel to Bergamo when they meet Atalanta.
Atalanta
Starting with the hosts, while Atalanta might have continued to show some extended inconstancies since opening the New Year, La Dea certainly made a famous statement at Anfield last week. Eventually breezing their way to a remarkable 3-0 romp against Liverpool, the Italian outfit will be desperate to collect a stunning Europa League scalp here. Holding what is a commanding advantage when they return to Bergamo on Thursday night, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men will also be hugely excited by their continued success on home soil. Including a 2-1 win against Sporting Lisbon last month as they extended on their European adventure at the Gewiss Stadium, Atalanta have lost just one of their previous 12 showdowns in front of their own supporters – a purple patch that stems all the way back to a 2-1 loss against defending Serie A champions Napoli on November 25th.
Team News
Missing out at Anfield last week after dealing with a recent muscle injury, former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac remains a real doubt on Thursday night. Likewise, not making a single appearance across any competition since the end of January, La Dea will once again be without veteran defender Jose Luis Palomino here.
Bagging a stunning Europa League brace in the red half of Merseyside last week, ex-West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca will spearhead Atlanta’s charge in Bergamo. 29-year-old goalkeeper Juan Musso will once again start between the sticks.
Liverpool
As for the visitors, putting in what was a nightmare performance at Anfield last week as they eventually suffered an infamous 3-0 drumming on home soil, Liverpool are seeking a major Europa League miracle here. Likewise, while Jurgen Klopp’s men might still find themselves at the heart of a Premier League title scrap, the Reds saw their dreams take a major dent over the weekend. Putting in a toothless performance in the red half of merseyside as they suffered a shock 1-0 loss at the hands of Crystal Palace, the former Borussia Dortmund boss has seen his squad fail to win any of their previous three appearances across all competitions. Likewise, shipping three goals at Anfield last week, Klopp’s men have remarkably failed to record a single clean sheet from any of their previous nine consecutive showdowns across all formats.
Team News
Limping off against Crystal Palace over the weekend with a suspected foot injury, Liverpool are expected to be without Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley on Thursday night. Likewise, both still dealing with respective long-term issues, the duo of Joel Matip and former Barcelona star Thiago Alcantara will not travel to Bergamo here.
Shockingly forced to settle for a first-leg spot on the bench at Anfield last week, attacking talisman Mohamed Salah will certainly be handed a full recall. French international Ibrahima Konate will once again partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Klopp’s defence.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Atalanta and Liverpool met for their first-leg meeting at Anfield last week, La Dea picked up a stunning 3-0 romp.
- The Premier League giants have failed to muster a single clean sheet from any of their previous nine outings.
- Liverpool have also conceded six goals in their previous two matchups away from Anfield.
- Atalanta have lost just one of their previous 12 straight showdowns at the Gewiss Stadium.
- Including a brace at Anfield last week, former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca has scored six goals in his last seven appearances across all competitions.
Conclusion
Storming their way to a famous 3-0 romp away at Anfield last week, Atalanta will be looking to officially punch their Europa League semi-final ticket with another statement. Continuing to gain a reputation for their extended success in Bergamo and winning 10 of their previous 12 showdowns in front of their own supporters, La Dea will certainly be smelling the chance to cash in on a Liverpool squad who are enduring a recent wobble. Sat firmly in the driving seat here, a home double chance can be found at appealing odds in Bergamo.
Verdict: Atalanta double chance
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
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