Date and Time: 11th March 2022 @1:30 AM IST
Venue: Atleti Azzurri d’Italia
Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen, where to watch?
India: Sony Sports Network
Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen Team News:
Atalanta:
Gian Piero Gasperini’s choice on whether to persist with his back four after moving to it on Saturday is still up in the air, and his decision may be influenced by Rafael Toloi’s return from suspension. The Nerazzurri are currently without star striker Duvan Zapata and experienced forward Josip Ilicic from their roster, and in the former’s absence, several players have lately stepped in to play as a ‘false nine’ for the team. After failing to impress against Roma, Aleksei Miranchuk might be replaced by either Jeremie Boga or Mario Pasalic on Thursday night. If the situation calls for it, out-of-form striker Luis Muriel can give a more traditional alternative.
Bayer Leverkusen:
While their hosts will have their captain back after serving a suspension, Leverkusen will be without suspended skipper Kerem Demirbay in Bergamo. In addition to Patrik Schick, who has 20 goals this season, either Lucas Alario or Saturday’s surprise pick Amine Adli should start up front with Moussa Diaby and young sensation Florian Wirtz in the absence of the midfielder. In addition to Sardar Azmoun, who made his Bundesliga debut as a substitute against Bayern, Gerardo Seoane may elect to go with a four-man defence.
Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen Probable Playing XI:
Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:
Musso; Toloi, Demiral, Djimsiti; Hateboer, De Roon, Freuler, Maehle; Pasalic, Koopmeiners; Boga
Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:
Hradecky; Frimpong, Tah, Tapsoba, Bakker; Aranguiz, Andrich, Palacios; Diaby, Alario, Wirtz
Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen Betting Predictions:
Match Betting: Atalanta win (1.95)
Draw (3.50)
Bayer Leverkusen win (3.50)
The One-Liner Explainer:
As a result of Atalanta’s deteriorating form and disappointing home record, they are no more the well-oiled machine that dazzled Europe with their appealing flair and incredible triumphs against the odds. As a result, a more fluid and confident Leverkusen will enter the second leg on an equal footing, with their incisive front line capable of unsettling even the most resolute of defences.
