Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Looking to extend on their Champions League adventure with another statement, Borussia Dortmund will travel to Atalanta for their second-leg battle.
Atalanta
Starting with the hosts, putting in a downbeat display on foreign soil last week as they eventually slumped to a disappointing 2-0 loss in rural Germany, Atalanta have a major job on their hands when they return to Bergamo here. However, despite finding their European dreams hanging by a thread on Wednesday night, Raffaele Palladino’s men certainly came roaring back in a stunning fashion over the weekend. Mounting a dramatic comeback at the New Balance Arena as they secured a 2-1 victory against reigning Serie A champions Napoli, Atalanta will be dreaming of a repeat performance in midweek. In fact, along with extending on their Coppa Italia adventure on February 5th thanks to a 3-0 romp against Juventus, Palladino’s side have won all of their previous four consecutive domestic showdowns by an aggregate score of 9-2.
Atalanta Team News
Once again missing out over in German last week, former AC Milan starlet Charles De Ketelaere remains on the sidelines with a knee injury. Likewise, making a permanent switch from Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window, Italian international Giacomo Raspadori remains a doubt with a thigh issue.
Making a first domestic start since January 16th over the weekend, Swedish ace Isak Hien should keep his spot at the heart of La Dea’s defence. Appearing to have reestablished his spot over the past few weeks, one-time Arsenal star Sead Kolasinac should also feature at the back.
Borussia Dortmund
As for the visitors, claiming a deserved first-leg advantage in rural Germany last week as they secured that 2-0 first-leg victory, Borussia Dortmund will travel over to Bergamo on Wednesday night looking to make another statement here. Rightfully receiving a string of plaudits on either side of opening the New Year, Niko Kovac’s side are enjoying an extended flurry. Mounting a stunning second-half comeback away at bitter domestic foes RB Leipzig over the weekend as they eventually snatched a thrilling 2-2 stalemate, Wednesday’s guests are unbeaten in their previous five appearances across all competitions (four wins, one draw). Appearing to have found a real clinical edge in the final third, Borussia Dortmund have also suffered just a sole defeat on their travels since returning from November’s international break.
Borussia Dortmund Team News
Both still dealing with respective injury issues, Borussia Dortmund are once again sweating over the defensive duo of Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Sule. Likewise, former Liverpool star Emre Can is still dealing with a recent groin injury and will miss out on Wednesday night.
Bagging a first-leg strike in rural Germany last week and now registering seven direct goal contributions (four goals, three assists) in his nine Champions League appearances, attacking talisman Serhou Guirassy will spearhead Dortmund’s charge in the final third.
Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund Key Factors to Consider
- When Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund met for their first-leg showdown in rural Germany last week, BVB claimed a deserved 2-0 victory.
- Dortmund are unbeaten in their previous five appearances across all competitions (four wins, one draw).
- Atalanta have have won all of their previous four consecutive domestic showdowns by an aggregate score of 9-2.
- Likewise, La Dea have won six of their previous seven matchups in Bergamo across all fronts.
- Four of BVB’s last five showdowns away from Signal Iduna Park have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Travelling to Bergamo on Wednesday night holding a two-goal advantage, Borussia Dortmund will be looking to extend on their Champions League adventure with another statement of intent. However, watching Atalanta claim an immediate response over the weekend as they snatched a thrilling 2-1 victory against reigning Italian champions Napoli, La Dea have gained a fearsome reputation for their dominance on home soil. Along with winning their previous four straight matchups in Bergamo by an aggregate score of 11-2, Wednesday’s hosts have also won six of their last seven showdowns at the New Balance Arena.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet