Marseille - Atalanta BC predictions and free betting tips [02/05/2024]

On Thursday, 2 May, within the preliminary stage of the Europa League's semi-final, "Marseille" will host "Atalanta" on their home ground. The hosts had a tough time dealing with "Benfica" in the previous round, whereas the Italian team has secured three victories in a row and is thirsty to make it to the Champions League by triumphing in the continental championship of lower rank.

Predicted Lineups

"Marseille": Lopez; Murillo, Gueye, Balerdi; Clauss, Harit, Veretout, Kondogbia, Garcia; Aubameyang, Moumbagna.
"Atalanta": Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Scalvini, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners, Lookman; Scamacca.

"Marseille"

In the return match at the Velodrome against "Benfica", the hosts managed to take the altercation to the penalty shoot-out, securing a 1:0 victory thanks to a goal by Faris Mumbanje, in a match lasting 120 minutes. This achievement contrasts with the blue-and-white's performance in the national championship, where the French currently don't even qualify for the Europa League due to the disappointing results at the beginning of spring, including three consecutive defeats from mid-March to early April – against "Rennes" (2:0), "PSG" (0:2) and "Lille" (3:1).

Between the return quarterfinal match against "Benfica" and the upcoming clash with "Atalanta", "Marseille" played three rounds in the championship, drawing twice with "Toulouse" (2:2) and "Nice" (2:2), and then defeating "Lens" at the Velodrome last weekend (2:1). Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened the scoring in the first minute, and Pape Gueye scored the final goal at the end of the match.

"Atalanta"

From a team coached by Gian Piero Gasperini, it was not expected that they would reach such a late stage of the Europa cup, as they drew "Liverpool" in the quarterfinals. But reality on paper does not match reality on ground, and this was evidenced in the first leg when the bergamot side inflicted a crushing defeat to the Reds at Anfield (0:3). In the return leg, despite an early goal from Mohamed Salah, the Italians held firm and the Mersey-siders' comeback did not materialise (Isc defeat 1:0).

According to the new Serie A regulations, the top five teams earn qualification for the next Champions League, so "Atalanta" can afford to be optimistic in a heated battle with "Roma" for the fifth place. "La Dea" defeated a strong "Monza" a couple of weeks ago (1:2), entered the final of the Italian Cup by demolishing "Fiorentina" at home (1:0 in the first leg, 4:1 in the second), and then handled "Empoli" last weekend (2:0).

Head-to-Head Records

These teams have never encountered each other in history.

Prediction for the match "Marseille" - "Atalanta"

"Marseille" is absolutely flawless in their Europa cup campaign, while in the championship, the hosts are somewhat less confident. Considering the home advantage, the French realise the importance of gaining a lead before visiting Italy. "Atalanta" in recent weeks has picked up good pace and secured three victories in a row, and their injury list is much less crowded compared to their opponents. My prediction – Gasperini's wards will not be defeated.

Total Prediction

"Marseille", no doubt, will push forward from the first minutes and will try to create their advantage before the return match, whereas "Atalanta" has already masterfully punished "Liverpool" in a similar fashion. Betting on "both will score".

Corner Prediction

Both teams on average take more than 5 corner kicks per match, hence we bet on the total corners over 9.5.

Yellow Cards Prediction

I don't anticipate a large number of cautions in the first playoff matches, so I bet on the total number of yellow cards under 4.5.

Score Prediction

I'll bet on the exact score 1:2 in favour of "Atalanta".