Manchester City vs Atalanta Predictions

Manchester City chase another three points on Tuesday night, which would leave them on the verge of the last 16. The Premier League champions may have had a rocky domestic start, but they have six points from two games as they prepare to host newcomers Atalanta. The visitors have made a poor start to their first ever Champions League campaign, which has left City as the heavy favourites for the points this week.

The hosts are fresh from a victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday, which left them just six points shy of leaders Liverpool. The Citizens are aiming to retain their title, but there are suggestions that this season’s focus is landing the Champions League. City have certainly started with an eye on Europe, folloing two solid victories. Will their winning run continue in midweek?

Atalanta were expected to be the big threat to City in this group, but their Champions League dream has turned sour following back to back defeats. Atalanta were the highest scorers in Serie A as they finished the campaign in third, while this season has brought more of the same for the visitors. They were involved in a 3-3 thriller at top four rivals Lazio on Saturday.

Atalanta should start to stamp their authority on the group a little more towards the end of the campaign. They are an impressive attacking unit, as shown in that Lazio clash. This is the kind of game Pep Guardiola will worry about, especially since City started without a recognised central defender on Saturday. Atalanta’s technically gifted attacing line up could really pick apart City at the back.

However, City are in fine form themselves. They’ve been scoring plenty, while er expect them to create chances against an Atalanta side who have shipped six goals in two games. The Premier League side have had a few thrillers here in recent months, with 25 goals across their last five matches at the Etihad in this competition. We see that form carrying through for City, as over 3.5 goals is our tip for this match, while we’re tipping a 4-1 victory for City.

Since his UEFA Champions League debut for Man City in September 2015, Raheem Sterling has had a hand in 24 goals in the competition (15 goals, 9 assists), five more than any other English player in that time. The winger is in fine form of late, too. Sterling has found the back of the net five times in six Champions League games. Meanwhile, his last five European games at the Etihad have seen him score five goals. As a result, we are backing Sterling to score any time in this clash.