Atalanta vs AC Milan predictions for Saturday’s Serie A clash at Gewiss Stadium. In their pursuit of keeping up with Serie A’s frontrunners and advancing in Europe, Milan faces a challenge against La Dea before their upcoming Champions League encounter with Newcastle United. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
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Match Live Saturday, 9th December at 5:00 pm In:
Atalanta vs AC Milan Predictions
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Milan and Atalanta Clash: A Tense Battle of Tactical Wits and Missed Opportunities
Key Stats
– Atalanta has conceded two goals per game over their past four league outings.
– Milan is unbeaten in their last seven away fixtures in Serie A.
AC Milan’s recent journey in Serie A has been a rollercoaster of emotions and performances. After a shaky period marked by just two wins from eight matches, the Rossoneri managed to gain some ground with a 3-1 victory over Frosinone. This win, featuring Christian Pulisic as a key scorer, indicated a potential return to form. However, their Champions League woes, highlighted by a defeat against Borussia Dortmund, raise questions about their focus and readiness for upcoming challenges.
Milan’s coach, Stefano Pioli, finds himself under increasing scrutiny. Despite a strong start to the season, inconsistency has plagued the team, leaving them trailing behind Inter Milan and Juventus in the Serie A standings. Pioli’s tactics, particularly in high-pressure games, have been a mix of brilliance and bafflement. His ability to motivate the team for the crucial upcoming matches, including the Newcastle United clash, will be pivotal in defining Milan’s season.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
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Best Value Bet Rationale
Examining Loftus-Cheek’s statistics, we notice a consistent presence in the attacking phases. Despite a modest scoring frequency, his shots per game average stands at 0.8, with a notable 0.2 shots on target per game. These figures, although not staggering, highlight his willingness to engage in offensive actions. Moreover, his expected goals (xG) of 0.52 and an expected assists (xA) of 1.17 indicate an underlying potential for more direct involvement in goal-scoring opportunities.
The context of the match further bolsters the rationale for this bet. Milan’s recent form, oscillating between draws and wins, shows a team that creates chances but lacks clinical finishing. In such a scenario, players like Loftus-Cheek, known for their ability to break into the box and take shots, become crucial. His physical presence and propensity to join the attack could see him getting in positions to test the goalkeeper, especially against an Atalanta side that has been conceding goals regularly.
Lastly, the enhanced odds offered by Bet365 add an extra layer of appeal to this bet. The boost from 13/8 to 7/4 represents an acknowledgment of the bet’s value, making it an attractive proposition for those seeking a bet with a decent return potential. As always with betting, odds are subject to change, and terms and conditions apply, so it’s advisable to check the latest odds before placing a bet.
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Atalanta’s Struggle for Consistency
In contrast, Atalanta, under Gian Piero Gasperini, has had a tumultuous season. With just one win from seven home games against Milan, Atalanta’s record is less than stellar. Their recent 3-0 loss to Torino, and an alarming trend of conceding goals, has put Gasperini’s defensive strategies under the microscope. Atalanta’s decline to the eighth spot in Serie A is a far cry from their ambitions of Champions League football.
Gasperini’s approach, once lauded for its offensive flair, now seems to lack the defensive rigidity needed in Serie A. The team’s performance in the Europa League offers some solace, but it’s their domestic form that urgently needs addressing. Gasperini’s tactics, particularly in managing his defence against agile attackers, will be crucial in their upcoming match against Milan.
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The Crucial Battle in Bergamo
The upcoming clash between Milan and Atalanta is more than just a regional rivalry; it’s a test of tactical acumen and a chance for redemption for both teams. Milan’s away record, including draws against Napoli and Lecce, suggests resilience, but also an inability to seize control in crucial moments. Atalanta, on the other hand, has struggled at home and will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities to stand a chance against Milan.
Both teams have their strengths – Milan’s attacking prowess, led by Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic, against Atalanta’s midfield creativity, spearheaded by Marten de Roon and Mario Pasalic. However, it’s the weaknesses – Milan’s defensive woes and Atalanta’s inconsistency – that might define this encounter.
Key Dynamics and Team Strategies
The match is likely to be decided in midfield, where Milan’s creativity meets Atalanta’s resilience. The key player duels, particularly between Milan’s Pulisic and Atalanta’s de Roon, could swing the game in either direction. The gameplay is expected to be fast-paced, with Milan trying to exploit Atalanta’s defensive gaps while maintaining their structure to avoid counter-attacks.
Our Take: Pioli’s Puzzling Choices
Stefano Pioli’s tactical decisions this season have been perplexing. While his attacking strategies have shown moments of brilliance, his inability to address the team’s defensive shortcomings is baffling. Milan’s tendency to concede goals late in games is a clear indication of tactical naivety and a lack of defensive discipline. Pioli must rethink his approach, especially in managing the team’s energy and focus throughout the 90 minutes.
Expected Lineups and Impact
Atalanta’s expected lineup, led by Charles De Ketelaere, suggests an offensive approach, but their depleted defence could be their Achilles’ heel. Milan, with Pulisic and Giroud leading the attack, will look to exploit this weakness. However, their own defensive issues, with Theo Hernandez filling in as a centre-back, could leave them vulnerable at the back.
Predictions
- Match Outcome – Draw: Milan’s away form and Atalanta’s desperation to salvage their season suggest a closely fought match. A draw seems the most likely outcome, with both teams struggling to find a winning formula.
- Correct Score – 1-1: Given both teams’ recent forms, a 1-1 draw seems a plausible result. Each side has the firepower to score but also possesses defensive frailties that could prevent them from securing a win.
- Goalscorer – Christian Pulisic: Pulisic’s recent form, scoring five goals in 12 Serie A games, makes him a likely candidate to find the back of the net in this crucial encounter.
- Corner Prediction – Milan to have more corners: Milan’s attacking style and tendency to push forward, especially with Pulisic and Giroud, could lead to a higher number of corners. Total corners in the game are predicted to be over 10, reflecting both teams’ attacking intentions.
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