Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview. Check the match preview, betting tips, useful info and football predictions for the match between Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta in Europa League.
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Match Preview
We are in the knockout stage of the Europa League, which means there is so much to play for the sides, especially in terms of getting an important away goal. That would be top of Atalanta’s agenda when they travel to Dortmund in the round-of-32 first leg. This Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta fixture will be played at the Westfalenstadion on Thursday, February 15, so check out our Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta prediction and betting tips.
Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund would have ideally loved to stay in the Champions League at this time, but they dropped out of the elite competition without winning a single game and finishing third behind Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid. That puts them under pressure to prove their pedigree in the Europa League, starting with this Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta encounter. The experience in Europe should work in their favour, although with the number of injuries they are juggling at the moment, Dortmund may find it difficult to go past Atalanta. However, the seamless transition of on-loan striker Michy Batshuayi has improved the mood within home supporters. But, just two wins at home in their last 11 fixtures (D4, L5) makes their recent form a concern.
Atalanta
Is that enough to propel Atalanta? The Italians are the surprise package of Europa League thus far, having stayed unbeaten and topping Group E. The downside is the fact that they couldn’t balance European responsibilities with domestic commitments and currently sit eighth in the league table. However, the visitors have picked up some momentum ahead of this Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta fixture. They have lost only twice in their last seven matches (W4, D1) in all competitions. In fact, they have lost only three matches in their last 16 matches (W10, D3, L3) in all competitions. Away from home, they remain unbeaten in their last eight trips (W6, D2) in all competitions with their last away loss coming in November ’17.
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta H2H
This is the first competitive meeting between these two sides, although they have met once last year in a friendly match that was won by Atalanta.
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Team News
For Dortmund, Yarmolenko and Durm have been ruled out until March while there are doubts over the participation of Guerreiro and Rode. Schmelzer and Philipp have returned to training and could feature for the hosts.
Atlanta will be without Rizzo, who is ruled out until next month. Gomez and Caldara have resumed training, but it may be too early for them to be involved in match play.
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Probable Line-ups
Borussia Dortmund: Burki (GK), Piszczek, Sokratis, Toprak, Toljan, Dahoud, Weigl, Kagawa, Pulisic, Batshuayi, Schurrle.
Atalanta: Berisha (GK), Masiello, Caldara, Palomino, Castagne, Cristante, Roon, Freuler, Spinazzola, Gomez, Petagna.
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Prediction
There is extra pressure on both teams ahead of this first leg as Dortmund are looking to reclaim lost pride while Atalanta are looking to build one. Both sides will look for goals to ease pressure in the second leg. We expect goals in both nets in this encounter which promises to be a thriller. If you are looking at individual players to score a goal, look no beyond than Batshuayi to find the net!