This season was supposed to be one of celebration for Atalanta as they play in the Champions League for the first time in their history. Having been drawn in Group C along with Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo Zagreb it was not going to be easy but Atalanta would have expected to have some points on the board by now.
However, they come into their 4th match of the group on Wednesday night this week on 0 points and bottom of the group. Atalanta face a tough task at home against Manchester City, who know a win should see them qualify for the round of 16 with 2 matches to spare.
Atalanta started their Champions League campaign away to Dinamo Zagreb and it could not have got off to a worse start. The Serie A club found themselves 3-0 down by half time and conceded a further goal in the second half to lose the match 4-0. Then came a home game against Shakhtar Donetsk and Atalanta led after 28 minutes but conceded an equalizer just before half time.
Shakhtar Donetsk scored again in the second half to win the game 2-1. Into their 3rd match and Atalanta took the lead once more away to Manchester City but again failed to hold onto their lead. Atalanta eventually slumped to a 5-1 defeat and they are desperate to claim their first point in the Champions League.
Keeping a clean sheet would be a good place to start for Atalanta as they have already conceded 11 goals in the Champions League this season. However, they have managed to find the back of the net in each of their last 2 Champions League games.
It is fair to say, Manchester City have yet to be really tested in the Champions League this season. They started their campaign with an away trip to Shakhtar Donetsk and came away with a comfortable 3-0 win. Manchester City were made to work a little harder at home against Dinamo Zagreb in their second game but scored 2 goals in the second half to win 2-0.
Having then fell behind against Atalanta at home, Manchester City went on to score 5 unanswered goals to win the match with ease.
Trends show Manchester City have won 7 of their last 8 Champions League games and lost only one of their last 12 in the competition. They have won 4 and drawn one of their last 6 on the road, scoring 2 or more goals in 5 of those 6 games.
Team news and Atalanta have just the one injury concern, with striker Duvan Zapata a doubt due to a thigh injury.
Manchester City travel to Italy without five first team players. Alexander Zinchenko, Aymeric Laporte, David Silva, Leroy Sane and Rodri are injured. Phil Foden is suspended and will also miss out.
Pep Guardiola may choose to rest some of his first team regulars ahead of the Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday. However, Manchester City should still have too much quality for the hosts and could come away with a comfortable win and clean sheet.
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