Champions League: Manchester City’s European Goal

Manchester City vs Atalanta

Champions League football is back at the Etihad on Tuesday when Manchester City takes on Atalanta in a pivotal Group C clash.

The Sky Blues have made a perfect start in Europe while, in contrast, I Nerazzurri have had a nightmare, losing both their opening games; and another defeat in Manchester could put paid to their campaign.

There can be no doubt that Pep Guardiola has his sights set on European glory and the SBOBET Champions League odds have installed his side as favourites. He has conquered the Premier League with back-to-back titles, but must now win the European crown to complete his Etihad challenge. Of course he has the players to do it, and looks set to qualify for the next phase, but knockout football is notoriously precarious.

Manchester City need to become relentless in their pursuit and performances, and Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta is the next in line.

Talking Points

Pep’s faith in Jesus

The Sky Blues were in good shape in a 0-2 victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday; even with a new look centre back pairing of Rodri and Fernandinho. Ederson made a couple of fine saves to keep a clean sheet, but at the other end of the pitch Manchester City were scintillating.

Gabriel Jesus netted his 50^th goal for the Sky Blues, fully justifying Guardiola’s decision to start him up front. The 22 year old Brazilian has had to bide his time with the Premier League’s finest marksman, Sergio Aguero, City’s go to striker. But that he has reached his half century so quickly is testament to his own ability in front of goal. And, if anything, he adds more to City’s link up play.

That’s a terrifying prospect for opponents when City already have the incomparable David Silva working his magic, and Kevin De Bruyne put in an energetic and polished performance on his latest return from injury.

While Rodri and Fernandinho did a good job at the back, John Stones is fit again and could slot in at centre back, with Rodri taking a seat on the bench.

I won’t be at all surprised to see Jesus start against Atalanta, but what a lovely dilemma that is for the City chief.

Luis Muriel's brace helped Atalanta end their match vs Shakhtar Donetsk — Luis Muriel in action during Atalanta’s match against Shakhtar Donetsk

Zupata out

I Nerazzurri have been playing well under Gian Piero Gasperini and could be dark horses again in Serie A. Duvan Zupata and Luis Muriel are a lethal combination up front, but the Italians have been dealt a hammer blow with the news that Zupata will be unfit to play, having picked up an injury on international duty with Colombia.

Muriel bagged a first half brace in a 3-3 draw away to Lazio on Saturday, but Gasperini will be fuming after his side surrendered a three goal lead they held midway through the second half, conceding the equaliser on 93 minutes.

Defeats away to Dynamo Zagreb and at home to Shakhtar Donetsk have left their Champions League campaign hanging by a thread. The opening day hammering in Zagreb was a real shock, when you see that I Nerazzurri followed it up with convincing away wins against Roma and Sassuolo.

It seems that whereas Manchester City have their eyes fixed on the European prize, Atalanta’s priorities lie closer to home.

History

Neither Manchester City nor Atalanta has a sparkling record in Europe but both are doing just fine in their domestic leagues. The Sky Blues are going for a third successive title while Atalanta had their best ever Serie A performance last season, finishing third.

In terms of Champions League 2019 results Pep’s team has made a faultless start to the 2019/20 campaign with two wins and two clean sheets, whereas I Nerazzurri has quite the opposite, two losses.

But Gasperini’s men are performing well as Serie A top scorers and without a league loss since early September.

Both teams come into the game with a single defeat in six in all competitions, with Manchester City winning the other five and Atalanta winning three and drawing two.

Betting Tip

	Manchester City vs Atalanta	Under 3.75 @ 1.89
	October 23, 03:00 (GMT+8)

When you are short of confidence in Europe and desperately need a win, Manchester City is about the last place you’d want to go, and the pre-match Manchester City vs Atalanta betting odds reflect that.

The Sky Blues are at 1.21 to win, with the draw at 6.60 and an away win is at 10.50.

After the international break City have come back refreshed and refocused and I really can’t see anything other than a home win. I think it will be clinical rather than expansive and while picking a score line is quite a challenge, 2-0 at 8.25 has the shortest odds.