Atalanta vs Villarreal Predictions

• Four of Atalanta’s five Champions League games have featured over 2.5 match goals, while 11 of their last 14 matches have featured over 3.5.
• Atalanta have won their last five Serie A games, going unbeaten in nine in the league. Their only loss in Europe was a manic 3-2 turnaround at Manchester United.
• Villarreal have won one of their last seven La Liga games, keeping just one clean sheet.

Do-or-Die Clash in Bergamo

Both Atalanta and Villarreal have been guilty of squandering leads on multiple occasions in Group F of the Champions League, one of the most entertaining groups in the competition. The Yellow Submarine need just a point to progress in second place, while in-form Atalanta have to win to make the last 16.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s team will be full of confidence after embarking on a five-match winning run in Serie A, which has included superb triumphs at Juventus and Napoli, as they emerge as surprise contenders for the Scudetto. Of Atalanta’s last 14 competitive goals, 11 have featured over 3.5 goals, and all but one of their European games this term have contained over 2.5.

While Villarreal were perhaps unfortunate not to beat Gasperini’s team back on matchday one, they’ve won just once in seven La Liga games, against relegation-threatened Getafe. Unai Emery’s team have only won once on their travels all season, at Young Boys on their last European trip.

Atalanta to Qualify, and Entertain on the Way

As already mentioned, goals are practically guaranteed when Atalanta are involved; they’ve netted 45 in 21 league and European fixtures this term, and were absolutely scintillating in Saturday’s 3-2 win at Napoli. Atalanta to continue their fine form and secure a place in the knockouts, accompanied by over 2.5 match goals, seems a strong play. When Atalanta win, they tend to entertain.

With Villarreal scoring five goals in their two away games in this group, I expect them to give their hosts some problems, potentially making a second successive 3-2 Atalanta win a solid correct score prediction for Wednesday’s all-important clash.