Atalanta v Villarreal predictions: Rescheduled game can go the way of hosts

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Atalanta v Villarreal in the Champions League on Thursday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 6pm Thursday

Best bet

Atalanta
2pts 3-4 Betfred, Coral, Hills

Preview

Villarreal are on course to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League but could drop into the Europa League if they lose at Atalanta in Thursday's rescheduled clash.

Heavy snow in Bergamo forced a late 24-hour postponement to this Group F clash, which will now kick-off at 6pm UK & Ireland time.

Based on Villarreal's recent form, defeat looks a real possibility. The Yellow Submarine have sunk into the bottom half of La Liga with only one win in their last eight matches in Spain's top flight.

And although their performances in Europe have been a little better, they head travelled to Bergamo low on confidence.

Hosts Atalanta, meanwhile, are fresh from a huge win over Serie A pacesetters Napoli at the weekend and have also seen off Juventus as part of a five-game winning run in the league.

Robin Gosens is their only key absentee and they have been typically free-flowing of late, scoring at least three goals in four of their last five matches. Back the Italians to take maximum points.

Key stats

• Villarreal have lost three of their last four games
• Four of Atalanta's last five games have featured over 3.5 goals
• Both teams have scored in 11 of Atalanta's last 13 matches

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