Atalanta will be dreaming of another amazing display on the road when they head to South France to face Marseille in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie.
In the previous round, Atalanta produced a masterclass at Anfield as they blew away Liverpool 3-0 to put the tie to bed after the first leg.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s charges are in uncharted territory, and they are potentially 180 minutes away from a first-ever European final. To date, their biggest achievement was lifting the Coppa Italia in the 1962/63 campaign.
In stark contrast, Marseille have been more regular visitors to Europa League Finals, but they have lost on all three occasions, most recently in 2018.
Their domestic troubles have been well documented, and for the last-eight tie with Benfica, Jean-Louis Gasset was forced to draft in several youngsters following a spate of untimely injuries.
All their eggs are in one basket, and winning the Europa League represents their most likely route to European football next term as they are seventh in Ligue 1, seven points off fifth-placed Nice.
But how will this clash pan out? I have riffled through the betting markets and handpicked a couple of tips for you to mull over ahead of kick-off.
Marseille to fuel further belief for fans
Although as mentioned, Marseille have toiled domestically this term, they have often saved their best for Europe.
And what a stellar campaign it has been on the continental front. Gasset, of course, is Marseille’s third coach this season which underlines the turbulence at the club, but he could be closer to removing a nagging itch for Marseille.
Yes, three Europa League Finals have all ended in disappointment, but he will look to change that unfortunate ending.
Atalanta, meanwhile, have been a surprise package, and this will be the first time they will be duking it out with Marseille on the European stage.
Their only previous trip to France resulted in a 1-1 draw against Lyon in the 2017/18 Europa League group stage, and a repeat of that performance would be warmly welcomed.
However, Marseille could have the bit between their teeth and grab a crucial advantage to delight fans. For my first pick, I’ve leaned into the Marseille to win & BTTS line which is paying out at a tempting 7/2 with Paddy Power.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to make Atalanta pay
Devilish in nature, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been a focal point of the Marseille attack this term.
The leading marksman in the Europa League this term with 10 goals registered, Aubameyang is the competition’s all-time leading scorer with 34.
Moreover, Aubameyang has had 13 Europa League goal involvements this season, moving him four clear of Mohamed Salah.
When he’s on it, he can wreak havoc, and Atalanta can ill afford him too much time or space on the ball.
This could be one of those evenings when Aubameyang rises to the occasion, and to seek a bit more value, I’m backing the Gabon forward to grab a double.
Should you wish to follow up on this tip, bet365 has stumped up a reasonably fair price of 7/1.
Bet £10, Get £50 in Bonuses
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/xlmedia/95b7b397-ec07-49be-9275-53f658255162.jpeg)
