Fiorentina vs Atalanta predictions, betting tips & match preview

Fiorentina are a tough side to peg down this season. They’re 14th in the table, but they dropped that low without being particularly bad. They’ve had a really tough start to the season, so La Viola will be hoping this clash with Atalanta will see them claim three more points. When you look at their head to head record, it’s easy to see why we’re backing the hosts.

Not only have Atalanta been poor on their last few trips to the Stadio Artemio Franchi, but their head to head record against this weekend’s opponents is awful. Fiorentina have came out on top in the last nine meetings. Can they add to that winning run and move a little further up the table? Paulo Sousa and his team should really be pushing for the European spots.

So far, Fiorentina have mostly played sides who are on the hunt for European places too. That has clearly impacted their results, and it’s a big factor in them being so low down. Not only have they played a game less so far, but five of their six games have been against teams who are seventh or higher. Their record of two wins, two draws and two defeats isn’t really that bad when you think about it. Plus, that means they have a batch of games against lesser sides coming up. This game could be their launching point for a strong run of form.

All of their defeats have been away from the Artemio Franchi, they’ve won two and drew one at home so far. They’ve seen off surprise package Chievo and third placed Roma, drawing 0-0 with AC Milan. They’re yet to concede a goal at home in the league, which is why just two strikes have been enough for them to pick up seven points. That’s an average of 0.67 scored per game.

Their scoring worries should be eased against Atalanta. This is a much weaker defence than they’ve faced of late. They’ve conceded in every match away from home, and they let in an average of 2 goals a game on the road. They’re a very all or nothing team, winning three and losing four in their matches so far.

One notable thing about La Dea is their lack of discipline. In their last six visits here, they’ve been given three red cards and 19 yellows. They have been a little too aggressive this season, as they make an average of 16 fouls per game away. Atalanta could rack up quite a few cards in this clash, so we like the look of over 5.5 cards in the game at 5/6 with bet365.

With their strong record at home and against Atalanta, LA Viola are our tip to win this game. They’re 3/4 with bet365 to claim all three points. They may have some scoring issues, but Fiorentina did score twice in their only game against mid-table opposition. Atalanta also concede from 18% of the shots they face away from home, so we see Sousa’s side bagging a couple.