Bayer Leverkusen vs Atalanta Predictions

• Atalanta won the first leg 3-2, forcing the hosts to chase the tie in this Thursday’s second leg.
• Bayer Leverkusen have seen three or more goals scored in 11 of their last 13 games, and both teams have netted in 12 of those encounters.
• Atalanta have averaged two goals per game across their last five outings in all competitions.

Expect more of the same after pulsating first leg

Atalanta’s 3-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen was one of the highlights of last week’s Europa League action, and it is difficult to see anything but more of the same this time around. The hosts, who have scored a massive 64 goals in 26 Bundesliga outings, will be forced to chase the tie, which could suit Atalanta’s lively attack.

Leverkusen have been dealt a severe blow ahead of this game, losing star attacker Florian Wirtz to an ACL injury in their weekend defeat to Koln. The German side have also lost three of their last five matches, winning just one of those games. However, with 11 of their last 13 outings featuring over 2.5 goals and 12 seeing both teams find the net, Gerardo Seoane’s men should at least provide entertainment.

Atalanta are in inconsistent form themselves, following up Thursday’s brilliant display with a dour Serie A stalemate against Genoa. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have netted 10 goals across their last five outings, however, and have seen over 2.5 goals scored in eight of their nine European games this term.

Deciding leg should entertain neutrals

The absences of visiting striker duo Josip Ilicic and Duvan Zapata, like that of Leverkusen starlet Wirtz, may be enough to turn punters away from the win markets, with the inconsistent form of both sides doing likewise.

With that in mind, over 2.5 goals and both teams to score, which proved a successful tip for the first leg, appears to be the best play once more. Meanwhile, with Leverkusen being forced to chase the game from the first whistle after losing in Bergamo, Atalanta could exploit the hosts’ backline to secure a 2-1 win and a place in the competition’s last eight.