Manchester City look to continue their march through Group C in the UEFA Champions League Group Stage, as they welcome Atalanta to the Etihad Stadium.
City will be looking to move a step closer to qualifying for the knockouts whilst Atalanta need a win to kick-start their hopes of reaching the next stage.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesJohn Stones could make his return to the starting eleven after returning on Saturday off the bench at Crystal Palace from a muscle injury.
Kyle Walker could also return after missing that game with a illness, whilst Nicolas Otamendi is in contention if he can shake off a knock suffered on international duty with Argentina.
Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane meanwhile are definite absentees with knee injuries.
Atalanta could be without top scorer, Duvan Zapata due to a thigh injury.
Ex Middlesbrough midfielder, Marten de Roon meanwhile is hopeful of a recall after being rested at the weekend against Lazio.
Stat Attack
- This is Manchester City’s first meeting with Atalanta in all competitions.
- Man City have taken four points from their last three Group Stage meetings with Italian opposition (W1, D1, L1).
- Atalanta are the 39th team that Pep Guardiola has managed against in the Champions League, only failing to win three of 38 previous first time meetings which came against Celtic, Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.
Prediction
Atalanta are doing very well in Serie A but for some reason, seem to be struggling to adapt to the demands of top European competition, which is a concern when facing a team like Man City.
City however have a shaky record against Italian opposition so I can see a tougher battle than many might expect, although City should pull through if they can banish the bad memories of their shock loss to Wolves in their last home match a fortnight ago.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Atalanta
Result: Manchester City 5-1 Atalanta