Thursday 7th December 2017 Atalanta v Lyon Football – Europe – Europa League Just as the Champions League has done already this week, the group stages of the Europa League will complete on Thursday evening with a lot of qualification issues still to be decided. Both Atalanta and Lyon are already assured of their places in the last 32 but there remains plenty to play off as they two clubs will be looking to top Group E and ensure they are seeded for the first knockout round. Atalanta appear to hold all the aces as a draw would see them finish in first whilst home advantage may well be an advantage. For Lyon it’s simple, win and go through as group winners.
It’s been a very successful campaign for Atalanta who are making their first foray into European football since 1991. So often clubs who are not used to playing European football struggle to make any significant impact and when the Italians were drawn with Lyon and Everton, it looked like they may be up against it. That has certainly not been the case as they have powered to the top of Group E. They remain unbeaten with three wins and two draws thus far, scoring an impressive 13 goals in the process and conceding only four. Home wins over Everton and Apollon, and a thumping victory away to the Toffees have been impressive, whilst draws away to the Cypriot side and Thursday’s opponents mean they hold an excellent chance of going through the whole campaign unbeaten.
Lyon got within a whisker of reaching the final of the Europa League last season and have navigated the first barrier in their way this time around. A number of key players have moved on during last summer so it’s never guaranteed to know what sort of impact that will have the on the team’s fortunes. Like Atalanta they have yet to taste defeat in this section, and have an identical record with home and away wins over Everton and taking four points from the two games against Apollon. They’re on a really good run in all competitions in fairness with only two defeats in their 21 games all season. That form sees them doing well in Ligue 1 and competing well in Europe. It could be that Lyon are just slightly below the level required to win this competition but they certainly have the quality to go deep into the knockout stages and if they can win on Thursday, being seeded in Monday’s draw would certainly help that.
Atalanta v Lyon Betting Tip
The teams played out a really competitive 1-1 draw in Lyon back in September and it’s likely that there will be little between them in the return fixture. They have a similar style of football in that they both are extremely technical and build the play from the back, relying on the creativity and craft of key men in forward areas. Atalanta have brushed aside both their opponents at home in this group but they will expect more of a challenge from Lyon, although the visitors have not been quite as impressive on their travels. Sometimes these games can be tricky for the team who only need a draw but Atalanta can continue their good form on their return to European football by getting all three points and qualifying as group winners.
Atalanta 67/50 @ Marathon Bet
