Atalanta vs Valencia Predictions

• Valencia have conceded over two goals per away game on average in the league this term.
• Atalanta have scored 63 Serie A goals this season.
• The visitors have scored in five of their last six Champions League games.
• Atalanta have seen both teams score in six of their last seven games.

European Boost for la Dea

Atalanta’s victory over Roma on Saturday has them on course for a return to the Champions League next term. However, their first-ever campaign in this competition continues in midweek, as they host Valencia on Wednesday.

The Spanish side were the weakest of all the group winners, giving us an even tie at San Siro this week. With Atalanta enjoying a dream campaign, could they make things even better with a victory in this last-16 clash?

Valencia Falling Short

The visitors must look on at Atalanta’s push for the top four with envy, as the situation in Spain is very different. Valencia have slipped to seventh in the table, leaving them with a major battle just to feature in this competition later this year.

Valencia have seen their hopes fade in recent weeks, with the club struggling for results. They come into this clash having conceded twice in their last three matches. That record has followed some mixed defensive form for the Spanish outfit, who have conceded 2.1 goals per away trip in the league this term.

Atalanta to Pounce

The Italian side have soared clear as the top-scoring outfit in Serie A this term. They’ve found the net 63 times already this season, which suggests they can punish an out-of-shape Valencia side. However, la Dea are still playing their home games in this competition at San Siro, which caused problems in the last round.

Atalanta had issues across the group stage as they looked to manage the step up in quality. We expect them to struggle at the back against a Valencia side who scored in five of their six group stage games, including each of their three away trips.

Atalanta’s previous seven matches have seen BTTS land on six occasions. We see them continuing that run against Valencia, but the visitors’ run of back-to-back away defeats is an issue. With Atalanta winning their last two group games and having seen them win three of their last four matches in the league, we’re backing a 2-1 victory for la Dea at San Siro.