UEL Quarter-Final: Liverpool vs Atalanta Lines
Attack Minded Sides Face Off
Liverpool Enter Quarters as UEL Favorites
In a matchup that certainly wouldn’t look out of place in the Champions League Quarter-Final, Liverpool take on Atalanta in the Europa League Quarters. The Reds host Atalanta on Thursday for the first leg after Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Manchester United. Atalanta, who fell 2-1 at Cagliari in Serie A on Sunday, will host the second leg on week later. Liverpool are the favorites to win the Europa League but Atalanta could pose a few problems to Jurgen Klopp’s side. Ahead of Thursday’s match, we’ll preview the Liverpool vs Atalanta lines.
Liverpool vs Atlanta
Location: Anfield, Liverpool, England
Day/Time:
Liverpool vs Atlanta H2H
This is the first time bettors can take the Liverpool vs Atalanta lines in the Europa League. The only other times these teams have met was in the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League Group Stage. Liverpool won 5-0 in Italy as Diogo Jota scored a hat trick and Atalanta picked up a 2-0 win at Anfield.
Liverpool Rue Missed Opportunities
Mistakes and a lack of composure in front of goal led to Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday in the Premier League. Darwin Nuñez assisted Luis Diaz early on but a mistake from Jarell Quansah allowed United back in the game. Kobbie Mainoo put United ahead in the second half but Harvey Elliott won a penalty for Liverpool, which Mo Salah converted. The Reds had some excellent chances, and 28 total shots, but couldn’t manage to get a victory.
Now, Liverpool are in second place in the Premier League but are only behind Arsenal on goal difference. However, Liverpool have been clinical in their recent Europa League fixtures. They managed to defeat Sparta Prague 11-2 on aggregate in the Round of 16. In the second leg, Liverpool led 4-0 just 14 minutes in. Notably, Liverpool have scored at least twice in each of their last five games overall but they’ve also conceded in seven straight.
In Jurgen Klopp’s last season as coach, Liverpool would love to win the Premier League and Europa League, along with the EFL Cup trophy they’ve already taken home. At even odds to win the UEL, Liverpool are clear favorites. Still, there’s a long way to go and Liverpool’s defensive performances could catch up to them at some point. At the moment, Diogo Jota, Alisson, Thiago, Joel Matip, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out. Jota, Alisson, and Alexander-Arnold are close to returning but that may happen vs. Crystal Palace over the weekend.
Atalanta Drop Back-to-Back Games
Atalanta’s inconsistency was on full display last week. After defeating Napoli 3-0 a couple of weekends ago, La Dea had a midweek Coppa Italia Semifinal match at Fiorentina. Atalanta fell 1-0 in the first leg but certainly still have a chance heading back to Bergamo for the second. Then, Gianluca Scamacca put Atalanta ahead at Cagliari on Sunday but Atalanta blew their lead and lost 2-1.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side is one of the better ones in Europe when they’re clicking but La Dea are nothing if not streaky. Still, their Europa League scores have been impressive this season. Atalanta have gone eight games without a loss and managed to defeat Sporting 3-2, on aggregate, in the Round of 16. Atalanta also finished in first place in the Group D Europa League table, with a 4-2-0 record.
Notably, Atalanta have won just two of their last nine matches, in all competitions but this is the just the second time all season they’ve lost back-to-back games. They haven’t lost three in a row since November 2022 but they are at serious risk of doing so here. Defender Giorgio Scalvini is currently the only name on the injured list.
Liverpool vs Atalanta Analysis & Odds
Liverpool haven’t lost at Anfield for over a year and they certainly won’t want that to change anytime soon. They haven’t been finishing their chances up to their standards but Thursday is an opportunity to get back on the right track against an opponent that is prone to conceding. We wouldn’t at all be surprised if both UEL teams get on the scoresheet here and BTTS comes in at -120.
The Liverpool vs Atalanta lines also price the hosts as -315 favorites and both Liverpool -1.5 and Atalanta +1.5 show -115 odds. Atalanta have won on their only previous trip to Anfield but they’re sizable +750 underdogs. Meanwhile, bettors can take a draw at +480 for this one. Punters should stay on top of any Liverpool injury updates as we approach game time.
Jota is arguably Liverpool’s best finisher and they’ve missed him lately. If he can suit up, even for a second half substitute appearance, the Portuguese international could make a difference. Over and under 3, 3.5 goals both sit at -115 odds in what could be a highly entertaining match between two attack minded teams.
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