Atalanta BC will face Athletic Bilbao at Stadio di Bergamo in a crucial Champions League match. The game is significant for both teams as they navigate the league phase of the competition. Atalanta aims to break a seven-match winless streak against Spanish teams in Europe, while Athletic Bilbao struggles for form.
Match Context
Atalanta remains unbeaten since the opening matchday, collecting 13 points from five subsequent fixtures. Currently positioned fifth in this 36-team league phase, they are just one point ahead of ninth-placed Liverpool. Their previous form includes a rough 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
Team Performance Overview
- Atalanta BC: 13 points from six matches.
- Athletic Bilbao: Only one win in six matches, sitting on 5 points.
Atalanta has demonstrated a pattern of scoring all their goals in the league phase after halftime. This trend may favor them against a Bilbao side that has seen defensive issues, having conceded significant goals in their recent games. Athletic Bilbao suffered a 5-0 defeat to Barcelona, a high-scoring 4-3 win against Cultural Leonese, and a 3-2 loss to Real Mallorca now makes their defensive capabilities questionable.
Injury and Squad Updates
Atalanta’s squad is managing some injuries, with Berat Djimsiti and Raoul Bellanova sidelined. Ademola Lookman may return to the squad after participating in the AFCON but is likely to start on the bench. Charles De Ketelaere has been standout, scoring in back-to-back Champions League matches and will be pivotal for Atalanta’s attack.
Athletic Bilbao’s injuries include Aymeric Laporte, while Benat Prados, Mikel Vesga, Maroan Sannadi, and Nico Serrano will also be absent. Gorka Guruzeta, their leading scorer in Europe, is looking for his first goal since matchday three, but his recent domestic form shows a glimmer of hope. Meanwhile, Nico Williams aims to score back-to-back goals after ending a drought in their recent match.
Expected Lineups
| Atalanta BC | Athletic Bilbao |
|---|---|
| Carnesecchi | Simon |
| Kossounou | Areso |
| Hien | Vivian |
| Kolasinac | Paredes |
| Zappacosta | Berchiche |
| De Roon | Jauregizar |
| Ederson | Ruiz De Galarreta |
| Bernasconi | Berenguer |
| De Ketelaere | Sancet |
| Pasalic | N. Williams |
| Scamacca | Guruzeta |
Match Prediction
Considering the form of both teams, El-Balad’s prediction favors Atalanta BC to secure a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao. The home side’s strong performance in the Champions League and Athletic’s defensive frailties suggest Atalanta can capitalize and enhance their standings in the tournament.
