Will Atalanta pull off an upset against the Ligue 1 champions? Photo by @Atalanta_BC (Twitter).
- Atalanta and Paris Saint Germain meet in the last eight of the Champions League on Wednesday August 12th
- PSG are heavily favored to progress to the semifinals
- Get the latest odds, betting discussion and a pick below
The Champions League quarterfinals commence in Lisbon this week. The first tie of the round sees Atalanta and PSG matchup on Wednesday. Atalanta, one of the best teams to watch in world football, are a minnow by Champions League standards. They face the superstar names and financial might of PSG, a team that has dominated French football and spend mammoth amounts in their pursuit of European glory.
There is no home advantage to consider. This is a Champions League knockout stage unlike any other. It will be played without fans in a neutral city and over only one leg.
DraftKings’ betting odds for Atalanta vs PSG are available in the table below.
Atalanta vs Paris Saint Germain Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline Odds at DraftKings | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atalanta | +0.5 (-139) | +210 | O 3.5 (+125) |
| PSG | -0.5 (+116) | +117 | U 3.5 (-157) |
| Draw | N/A | +275 | N/A |
Odds taken August 9.
Atalanta Dangerous Despite Ilicic Absence
Josip Ilicic will not take part in the Champions League as he has left the team to deal with a personal issue. The loss of the Slovenian, who scored 21 goals this season, is obviously a big blow, but they have enough depth in the final third to pose a serious threat to PSG.
Alejandro Gomez is the primary creative force of this free-flowing Atalanta attack. In Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel, they have options to start up front, and both could play on Wednesday. Gian Piero Gasperini might opt for Mario Pasalic in the front three, however, as he did for their defeat to Inter last time out.
La Dea found the net 98 times in Serie A this term, and scored eight over their two-leg tie with Valencia in the last 16. This is a team that will create chances on whoever they face, even against a PSG side that has kept six clean sheets in the Champions League this season.
Mbappe’s Surprise Return
When Kylian Mbappe injured his ankle in the Coupe de France final, it seemed unlikely he would play again this season. Reports from Goal suggest the French superstar could make a shocking return for Wednesday’s match. He has been named in the travelling squad for the tie and featured in training on Saturday.
Mbappe’s availability is obviously key to PSG. The triumvirate of Mbappe, Neymar and Mauro Icardi is unstoppable. The alternatives – starting Angel Di Maria or Pablo Sarabia on the flank – are still formidable, but it makes this PSG side less scary.
PSG’s average possession is only 53% in the Champions League. They are at their best with space to run, and when they can catch the opponent in transition. Atalanta are much the same. This has the makings of an open match with two teams who want to attack at pace.
Atalanta vs PSG Champions League Stats
| 2 | Goals per game | 2.5 |
| 13.6 | Shots taken per 90 | 11.6 |
| 452.8 | Passes per 90 | 583 |
| 19 yellows, 0 reds | Cards | 21 yellows, 0 reds |
| 61% | Shots inside the area | 55% |
Back The Over
This should be the most exciting of the four Champions League quarterfinals. PSG are unsurprisingly betting favorites, but this Atalanta team is dangerous. Gasperini’s side are fearless, they will take any opportunity they get to go at PSG.
There’s good value in backing Atalanta in a one-off match here. Their +210 moneyline looks a solid bet, but the safest option might be the ‘over’ on 3.5 total goals.
Pick: Over 3.5 total goals (+125)
Sam Cox is a freelance writer and sports junkie, who has spent the past several years immersed in the online gaming industry. He has worked with 888sport, Oddschecker, and Colossus Bets to name a few. Based in the UK, Sam also runs Franchise Sports with his brother.
source https://casinonewsblogger.com/atalanta-vs-psg-champions-league-quarterfinals-odds-picks-betting-preview/
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