A season defining match in Donetsk
The three teams behind Manchester City in Group C could still finish in any order with fourth placed Atalanta travelling to Ukraine to face Shakhtar Donetsk who reside in second. The hosts are bidding to win their fourth consecutive league title domestically and are a cool 14 points clear at the top in doing so. It has been an inconsistent start to the season for the Goddessas we approach the halfway point, they lost all three opening Champions League group games adding to the miracle qualification for the Europa League or knockout stages which would be their reward for a win in Ukraine. Shakhtar are a very common figure in the round of 16 these days and therefore are favourites to get three points and progress on Wednesday evening.
Goal fest?
Both sides are the top scoring teams in their respective divisions, striker Junior Moraes has bagged 16 goals in 21 outings for Shakhtar although has not found the net since his hattrick against Lviv in late November. For the visitors Luis Muriel has been their main threat, in the absence of his injured compatriot Duvan Zapata, the pacey forward has already hit double figures in just 17 appearances in all competitions. Sitting fifth yet having the league’s most prolific attack demonstrates that Atalanta’s weakness is their defence, to which is the second worst in Serie A’s top 12.
Battle of the canny wingers.
Left winger Taison can be a big game player for Shakhtar and along with most of the squad has enjoyed a fruitful 2019/20 so far, with seven goals and six assists from 13 league appearances. He is 31 years old and has bags of Champions League experience compared to the other players on the pitch come Wednesday evening. The tricky winger will be a constant headache for the Goddess’ backline and coupled with Yevgeny Konoplyanka on the other flank, should create enough chances to get the Ukrainians over the line.
Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez was a massive standout player in Atalanta’s run to third place in Serie Alast season, playing a part in 24 goals, and remains their most talented attacking asset. Adding to his now impressive tally of 51 goals and 54 assists for the Bergamo based side. Now aged 31 as well this is possibly his last chance to showcase his abilities on club football’s biggest stage, deployed just off Luis Muriel in recent weeks the Argentinian is the main flair player that lifts everyone around him when onsong.
Expect goals and plenty of them, Shakhtar have been in this position and done it before, however Atalanta will leave everything out there. It is a mouth-watering matchup.
Shakhtar Donetsk – Atalanta Betting Tip
Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 goals with Betfair at odds of 8/5.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Atalanta shocked the tournament by qualifying with a 3-0 win despite losing their first three group stage encounters.