Arsenal FC starts their Champions League campaign against Atalanta BC, with hopes of having a better finish this season. Last season, these two clubs have a different campaign, with Arsenal in the Champions League, and Atalanta at the Europa League. Arsenal seems to be a mainstay in the Champions League, qualifying for six seasons. Last season, Arsenal finished just in the quarterfinals, which makes them eager to have a strong start here. On the other hand, Atalanta are at the Europa League last season, and are fortunate to score a spot in the UCL. With that, Atalanta are eager for a strong start so they are aiming for a win here. The meeting between these two teams is on September 20, 2024, at 3:00 AM (GMT+8).
Arsenal FC
Arsenal, under current manager Mikel Arteta, has ended a six-season absence from the Champions League by finishing first in Group B with four wins from six games. They progressed past Porto on penalties before losing to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. Under Arteta’s leadership, Arsenal has made it through to the Champions League’s last eight for the first time in 14 years. This year, Arsenal has negotiated their first four Premier League fixtures without losing, with only one goal conceded so far. They have won six consecutive Premier League away games since last term and aim to post maximum points on their travels before a tough test against Paris Saint-Germain next month.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta can bring back midfielder Declan Rice, but has several injury concerns ahead of their first Champions League fixture. Captain Martin Odegaard is sidelined with an ankle injury, while Riccardo Calafiori returns injured from international duty. Mikel Merino has not played since damaging his shoulder, and Bukayo Saka is withdrawn. Gabriel Jesus appeared as a late substitute.
Atalanta BC
Atalanta, a Serie A team, celebrated the completion of their newly renovated home stadium to welcome Champions League football back to Bergamo. The Nerazzurri return to UEFA’s elite competition after winning their first European trophy last season. They defeated Bayern Leverkusen in the Europa League final. Veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s team, La Dea, now participates in the Champions League for a fourth time. They featured for three consecutive seasons between 2019 and 2022. They have only recorded one victory in their last seven Champions League games on home soil. Their recent form suggests they may find producing another victory this week challenging. La Dea started the season with a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup and lost two of their first three league matches.
Atalanta will be without key players Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini due to long-term injuries. Meanwhile Rafael Toloi and Ben Godfrey missed the win over Fiorentina. Sead Kolasinac, Berat Djimsiti, and Nicolo Zaniolo are fit again. Ademola Lookman will support Italy striker Mateo Retegui.
Prediction:
Arsenal FC
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