On Thursday evening, Atalanta and Sporting CP go head-to-head at the Gewiss Stadium in gameweek five of Group D in the Europa League.
Atalanta form guideThe Nerazzurri’s recent form has been poor, as the boys from Bergamo have won just once in their last four outings in all competitions.
Last time out, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team suffered a 2-1 home defeat by reigning Italian champions Napoli.
Despite their general form being inconsistent, Atalanta have found form in the Europa League, as they are unbeaten in their four group games, having recorded three wins and a draw.
They have also been potent in front of goal in the Europa League, scoring at least two goals in three of the four games.
La Dea’s form has been enough to take them to the top of the group, and they need just a point from their last two group games to seal qualification for the knockout stages.
Sporting CP form guideThe club from the Portuguese capital have been in good form lately, as they have won seven of their previous nine matches in all competitions.
Ruben Amorim’s team has also scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches.
Sporting’s recent form in the Europa League has not been ultra-convincing. However, they have lost just one of their last five games in the competition. A victory would move them level on points with Atalanta at the top of the group.
Sporting has a poor recent away record in the Europa League, winning just two of their previous seven games over 90 minutes on their travels. However, they have suffered just one defeat in their last five away games in the competition.
What am I backing?This could be a close encounter between two very good teams. I expect goals from this game, so the logical bet is over 2.5 goals scored.