As the 2024/25 Champions League kicks off, Arsenal will travel to Atalanta BC for a thrilling opening match in Bergamo. Arsenal returns to the competition after reaching the quarter-finals last season, while Atalanta enters as the reigning Europa League champions. Both teams are eager to start the group stage with a win, and fans can expect an exciting encounter.
This article previews the upcoming clash, provides the latest team news, expected lineups, and offers Jambobet predictions, including who will win, the likelihood of both teams scoring (GG), and the Over 2.5 Goals market.
Arsenal’s Champions League Return
After a six-year absence, Arsenal made a strong return to the Champions League last season, winning Group B with four victories from six matches. Their impressive run continued into the knockout stages, where they edged past Porto on penalties before being eliminated by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta has established them as a European force once again, and they’ll be aiming to build on last year’s success.
So far, Arsenal has started the 2024/25 Premier League campaign in fine form, remaining unbeaten after their first four matches, including a crucial win in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal has also been solid defensively, conceding just one goal this season. As they head into their Champions League opener, Arteta’s men will be determined to keep the momentum going.
With six consecutive Premier League away wins under their belt, Arsenal will be confident of securing all three points in Bergamo. However, they face a tricky Atalanta side that will be looking to put on a show for their home fans in their newly renovated stadium.
Atalanta’s Recent European Success
Atalanta BC is back in the Champions League after lifting the Europa League trophy last season, where they defeated an unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen in the final. Under the guidance of veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta has become a respected name in European football, known for their high-energy, attacking style of play.
The Italian side has had a mixed start to their 2024/25 season, with a loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup followed by two defeats in their first three Serie A matches. However, Atalanta bounced back last weekend with a thrilling 3-2 win over Fiorentina, in which Ademola Lookman scored the decisive goal.
Atalanta’s form in the Champions League at home has been inconsistent, with just one victory in their last seven matches on home soil. Despite this, they will be hopeful of starting their group-stage campaign with a win, knowing that Arsenal is not at full strength due to key injuries.
Team News: Arsenal’s Injury Woes
Arsenal heads into this clash with several key players sidelined. Captain Martin Odegaard is ruled out with an ankle injury, and Bukayo Saka is a major doubt after being substituted during the North London derby. The Gunners will also be without Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Riccardo Calafiori due to various injuries.
However, Arsenal can count on the return of Declan Rice, who missed the weekend’s fixture due to suspension. Gabriel Jesus also made a substitute appearance in the derby and is expected to start in Italy.
Atalanta, on the other hand, will be without Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini, both out with long-term injuries. However, Sead Kolasinac and Berat Djimsiti have returned to fitness and could feature in the starting lineup. Ademola Lookman will be Atalanta’s main attacking threat, as he continues to find form after his strong finish to last season.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal’s Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
- GK: David Raya
- RB: Ben White
- CB: William Saliba
- CB: Gabriel Magalhães
- LB: Jurrien Timber
- DM: Thomas Partey
- CM: Declan Rice
- CM: Kai Havertz
- RW: Bukayo Saka (if fit) / Reiss Nelson
- ST: Gabriel Jesus
- LW: Leandro Trossard
Atalanta’s Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):
- GK: Marco Carnesecchi
- RCB: Berat Djimsiti
- CB: Isak Hien
- LCB: Sead Kolasinac
- RWB: Raoul Bellanova
- LWB: Matteo Ruggeri
- CM: Marten de Roon
- CM: Ederson
- AM: Charles De Ketelaere
- AM: Ademola Lookman
- ST: Mateo Retegui
Jambobet Predictions for Atalanta vs Arsenal
Jambobet provides a detailed outlook on this highly anticipated match, offering predictions on the likely winner, the Goal-Goal (Both Teams to Score) market, and whether the game will feature more than 2.5 goals.
Match Prediction:
- Arsenal to win 2-1. Despite Atalanta’s home advantage and attacking prowess, Arsenal’s solid defense and clinical finishing should see them edge the match. Arsenal’s ability to control the midfield and exploit Atalanta’s defensive vulnerabilities could prove decisive.
Goal-Goal (Both Teams to Score):
- Yes. Atalanta’s commitment to attacking football, combined with Arsenal’s occasional defensive lapses, suggests that both teams are likely to score. With players like Gabriel Jesus and Ademola Lookman on the pitch, goals at both ends are expected.
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Over 2.5 Goals:
- Yes. With both teams favoring attacking styles, the game is likely to see at least three goals. Atalanta’s tendency to leave gaps at the back and Arsenal’s fast, fluid attacking play make the Over 2.5 Goals market a promising bet.
Final Thoughts: Atalanta vs Arsenal Champions League Opener
Arsenal will face a stern test in their Champions League opener against Atalanta, especially with several key players sidelined. However, Mikel Arteta’s side has shown resilience this season, and with the return of Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus, they should have enough quality to come away with a win.
Atalanta will be dangerous, particularly with Ademola Lookman and Mateo Retegui leading their attack, but their inconsistent form and defensive vulnerabilities could prove costly against a well-drilled Arsenal side. Jambobet predictions favor a 2-1 Arsenal win, with both teams finding the back of the net in an entertaining contest.
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