Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Two camps who will get their respective Champions League play-off adventures underway on Tuesday night, Borussia Dortmund will welcome Atalanta to rural Germany.
Borussia Dortmund
Starting with the hosts, while Borussia Dortmund might have been disappointed last month as they signed off their group stage campaign with a 2-0 loss at home against Inter Milan, the German giants have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Last seen over the weekend putting in a thumping performance as they cruised their way to an empathic 4-0 romp at home against Mainz, Niko Kovac’s side will know the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage on Tuesday night. Getting February underway with an action-packed 3-2 victory against Heidenheim, BVB have won their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 9-3. Embarking on a real domestic romp, Kovac’s men have also gained a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third.
Borussia Dortmund Team News
Dealing with a recent groin issue, Borussia Dortmund are once again expected to be without skipper Emre Can on Tuesday night. However, serving a Bundesliga ban against Mainz over the weekend, German international Nico Schlotterbeck should make a full return at the heart of Dortmund’s defence.
Making a second-half cameo appearance off the bench on Saturday, former Manchester United loanee Marcel Sabitzer should get some more minutes under his belt after returning from a recent muscle issue. Notching five goals in his previous three domestic appearances, attacking talisman Serhou Guirassy will spearhead BVB’s attack.
Atalanta
As for the visitors, although Atalanta might have signed off their respective group stage adventure with a downbeat 1-0 loss against Royale Union, La Dea find themselves in an almost identical position to Tuesday’s hosts. Enjoying what has become a sensational Serie A flurry, Raffaele Palladino’s side are riding a real wave of momentum. Extending on their Coppa Italia charge earlier in the month as they secured a stunning 3-0 victory against Juventus, the Bergamo-based outfit have won each of their last three domestic matchups across all competitions by an aggregate score of 7-1. Last seen over the weekend collecting another heavyweight scalp as they claimed a 2-0 win away at Lazio, Atalanta are more than capable of asking some serious questions in rural Germany.
Atalanta Team News
Suffering a knee injury earlier in the month, Atalanta have confirmed that Belgium international Charles De Ketelaere is set for a five-week stint on the sidelines. However, aside from the former AC Milan youngster, La Dea have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns.
Notching a maiden Serie A strike of the season away at Lazio on Saturday and reportedly attracting plenty of heavyweight European interest, Brazilian ace Ederson will play a leading role in the middle of the park. Despite bagging just a sole Champions League strike this season, Nikola Krstovic should keep his spot leading the line.
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Key Factors to Consider
- When Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta last met for European showdown back in February 2018, BVB collected a 4-3 Europa League aggregate win.
- BVB have won their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 9-3.
- Likewise, La Yea have won each of their previous three domestic matchups across all competitions by an aggregate score of 7-1.
- The red-hot Serhou Guirassy has registered five goals in his previous three Bundesliga appearances.
- Borussia Dortmund have won five of their previous six appearances in rural Germany.
Conclusion
Two camps who are enjoying their own respective domestic flurries, we could be set for an enjoyable Champions League battle on Tuesday night. Alongside BVB winning their previous three Bundesliga showdowns by an aggregate score of 9-3, the German giants have gained a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. It should also be highlighted, BVB have registered at least a trio of goals in four of their last five matchups in rural Germany.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet