Atalanta vs. RB Leipzig Predictions: Expect goals in second leg tie

Thursday night brings us the second leg of the Europa League Quarter finals, Live on BT Sport. Atalanta host Leipzig in a mouth watering contest after the tie is well in the balance following their 1-1 first leg result in Germany.

Atalanta will be the happier of the two teams following the 1-1 draw, however they will have to go against their current Serie A form if they have any chance of Progression to the Semi finals. Gasperini’s side have suffered back to back league defeats which has seen them slip to 8th in the Serie A – a 2-1 loss on the weekend away to Sassuolo means the Italians have some serious chasing to do if they are to end up in the European spots come the end of the season, and may feel their best bet is through this competition.

Leipzig on the other hand continued their fine form domestically, following up last weeks draw with a comfortable 3-0 vs Hoffenheim. 3 first half goals for the hosts was enough to secure the victory, making it 12 games unbeaten now for Domenico Todesco’s side (8W4D). Leipzig took apart Dortmund 4-1 in their last away game, a similar performance here would be certainly be enough for progression through to the Semi Final.

The entertaining nature of the first leg makes me believe we could be in for another drama filled affair. Both these sides have little to play for domestically so success in this competition could be a season savour, with a direct route to next seasons Champions League.

Leipzig have been in and amongst the goals on all of their European travels this season across the CL/EL. 23 goals in just the 4 Leipzig games suggests we could see goals here. The Germans have scored 2 or more in each of these 4 games but have conceded and average of 2.5 per away game.

Despite Atalanta’s struggles in the Serie A, their form in the Europa League suggest there is hope for the Italians to progress. They are yet to draw a blank in any of their European games this season, so getting on the scoresheet again here shouldn’t be a problem.

Two attacking teams so I am having 2.5 Pts on there to be 3 or more goals Thursday evening. The first leg showed the attacking intent of both, with the only thing missing being the third goal.

Rafael Toloi returned from injury at the weekend, and if he does get the nod to start here the 15/4 on him to be carded certainly appeals.

No player has been cautioned more in the Atalanta side this season than then Italian centre back- He’s accumulated 8 cards in 20 starts across Serie A and Europa league. He averages the second most fouls per game (1.4) in the Atalanta squad, only second to Martin De Roon.

With the lively Christopher Nkunku on the opposition side, none of the Hosts Centre backs are necessarily safe from the referees book, especially when you consider it’s Lahoz at the whistle. 15/4 seems the best value of the three, let’s just hope he gets the nod Thursday evening.