Serie A side Atalanta travel to Cyprus next week in the hope of confirming their place in the Europa League knockout stages, with the Italians being unbeaten in their three matches so far in the competition. However, with the home side having shown that they are no pushovers already in Group E, it could well be an exciting encounter.
Europa League – Tsirio Stadium, Limassol – Thursday 2nd November – 19:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 5/2 at Ladbrokes |
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Apollon Limassol
Atalanta BergamoMatch Preview
Despite Atalanta having come out on top when the two teams met in Italy just last week, many are predicting a much tighter affair in Cyprus this time around. The Serie A side have impressed hugely under the guidance of manager Gian Piero Gasperini over recent years, with another three points sending them through to the Europa League Round of 32. However, with the home side having already earned draws with both Lyon and Everton in Europe this season, Atalanta will be fully aware of the task ahead of them next week. Let’s take a closer look at the two teams, starting with Apollon Limassol.
Apollon Limassol Team News & Form
Apollon Limassol have made an unbeaten start to the season in Cyprus, while just a single Europa League defeat means that Sokratis Sokratous’ men are still in with a shout of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition for the first time in their history. Apollon’s squad is dominated by players from around outside of Cyprus, with the likes of Brazilian Allan, Argentine striker Emilio Zelaya and French defender Valentin Roberge helping to make up a competitive line-up. However, it is Spanish forward Adrián Sardinero who is likely to be the home sides biggest attacking threat, with the 27-year-old having scored in two of their European outings this season already.
Atalanta Team News & Form
Atalanta warmed up for their European encounter with a comfortable 3-0 win over Verona during the week, which moved them up to ninth in the Serie A standings. Captain Alejandro Gómez is the undoubted star of the team, with the Argentine international having scored against Lyon and Everton already this season in the Europa League. Atalanta have a whole host of talent on-loan from around Europe, with Juventus duo Mattia Caldara and Riccardo Orsolini likely to line-up for the home side next week. A win for Atalanta in Cyprus would secure their place in the knockout stage of the competition.
Head to Head
Before last week’s clash at in Italy, the two teams had never previously met in a competitive fixture. However, with the Serie A outfit collecting the three points with ease in front of their home supporters, it is Atalanta that are the favourites for next week’s clash.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given the result in Italy last week, it perhaps doesn’t come as a surprise that Atalanta are the firm favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. The visitors can be backed for the win at odds of 8/11 with Ladbrokes, while the same bookmaker has the Cypriot side as the underdogs, with odds of 4/1. However, with an Atalanta success unlikely to bring about any significant returns, our top betting tip is well worth considering.
Top Betting Tip
Our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams to score, which is available at odds of 7/10 at Ladbrokes.