Shakhtar Donetsk vs Atalanta Predictions

Shakhtar vs Atalanta predictions for this Champions League fixture. Shakhtar Donetsk and Atalanta BC, both coming off goalless draws in their Champions League openers, will aim for their first group-stage win when they face off in Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Champions League | League Stage | Oct 2, 2024 at 8pm UK at VELTINS-Arena

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Atalanta Predictions

Can Shakhtar and Atalanta Break the Deadlock in Gelsenkirchen?

• Atalanta’s Defensive Struggles Persist
  • Atalanta have conceded 12 goals in their first six Serie A matches this season, averaging two goals against per game. This defensive instability has been a significant factor in their inconsistent form. With injuries to key defenders like Ben Godfrey and Rafael Toloi, their backline remains exposed, offering opportunities for opponents to capitalize.
• Shakhtar’s Resilience on Neutral Ground
  • Despite being uprooted from their home stadium, Shakhtar have demonstrated an ability to perform on neutral grounds. Last season, they secured impressive 1-0 victories over Barcelona and Antwerp in Germany. Their adaptability could play a crucial role against Atalanta, who have historically found it challenging to secure wins away from home in European competitions.
• Lookman’s European Impact
  • Ademola Lookman has proven himself as a significant threat in European fixtures. Last season, he scored five goals in just three Europa League starts for Atalanta. Although he didn’t score against Bologna recently, he had found the net in four straight Serie A matches prior to that game. His knack for stepping up on big occasions could be pivotal in breaking down Shakhtar’s defence.

Our Tips

Both these two sides are looking for their first Champions League group stage win. Each team started their European campaign with a goalless draw—Shakhtar couldn’t defeat Bologna, while Atalanta secured a valid point against Arsenal. Displaced from their homeland due to ongoing conflict, Shakhtar continue to host their ‘home’ matches in Germany, and this is obviously a disadvantage that we need to consider when predicting this game. Atalanta, meanwhile, are striving to find consistency as their start of the season has been below par. With both teams keen to secure their first three points in Europe’s grandest stage, this clash should be tactical and entertaining.

Best Bet: Draw

Looking at the different betting options, the stalemate appears to be the best bet. Shakhtar Donetsk have shown resilience in recent weeks, remaining unbeaten in their last four four matches in all competitions. It seems as they are getting used to play on neutral ground, and last season they even defeated Barcelona and Antwerp while playing their home games in Germany. But their main problem is consistency.

defence,Atalanta, after shocking everyone by winning the Europa League, have started the new campaign in a disappointing fashion. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have won just two of the eight games played. In defence they have been vulnerable, conceding 12 goals in six Serie A matches. Injuries to key defenders like Ben Godfrey and Rafael Toloi have exacerbated these issues, leaving gaps that opponents have readily exploited.

The historical encounters between these two teams is also balanced, with each side claiming a victory during the 2019-20 group stage. Shakhtar’s offensive threats, such as top scorer Artem Bondarenko and creative midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, have been effective domestically but the level in Europe is significantly higher and might struggle to cause problems to an Atalanta’s defence, which, despite its flaws, managed to keep a clean sheet against a strong Arsenal side.

Atalanta’s attack can count on the likes of Ademola Lookman and Mateo Retegui. Lookman, started the season well, having netter in four consecutive Serie A matches before a recent dip. However, the team’s overall inconsistency has prevented them from capitalising on these individual performances.

“Given the current form and circumstances surrounding both teams, a draw seems the most likely outcome,” says BettingTips4You.com expert Luca Pratesi. “Neither side has shown the clinical edge needed to secure a win. With both teams eager to avoid defeat rather than risk going all out for victory, we could very well see a cautiously played match that ends level.”

The neutral venue diminishes any home advantage Shakhtar might have had, making the draw an even more attractive option. Additionally, Atalanta’s inconsistency away from home in European competitions suggests they may settle for a point in what is likely to be a tight affair.

Correct Score Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Atalanta BC

Following on our game analysis, the 1-1 draw emerges as a plausible scoreline. Shakhtar have been prolific in front of goal domestically, netting 20 times in eight Ukrainian Premier League matches, an average of 2.5 goals per game. However, when playing in Europe they tend to struggle since the level is significantly higher.

Atalanta have averaged 1.8 goals per game in Serie A but have been leaking goals at the other end, with an average of two conceded per match. Their defensive frailties suggest that Shakhtar are might find at least one goal, especially with attackers like Bondarenko and Sudakov in form.

Conversely, Atalanta’s forward line, including the likes of Lookman and Retegui, have the quality to exploit any lapses in Shakhtar’s defence. Given this situation, the 1-1 draw is particularly appealing.

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