Prediction: Juventus vs Atalanta

Verdict: Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: Unibet

In what has all the makings of a lively contest on Saturday night, Juventus will welcome a free-scoring Atalanta to Turin as the Old Lady look to move one step closer to the Serie A title.

Juventus

Starting with the hosts, while Juventus might have marked their Serie A return last month with a stunning run of form, the Old Lady will be looking to put their midweek heartbreak behind them. Despite taking a 2-0 lead against AC Milan on Tuesday night, Maurizio Sarri’s side was hit with a stunning 4-2 defeat and saw their five-match winning run come to an abrupt end. While Lazio’s latest slip up might have seen Juve inch towards reclaiming their Serie A crown, the former Chelsea boss will be calling on his side to find some much-needed stability at the back. Remarkably shipping four goals in the space of just 18 minutes at the San Siro earlier in the week, Saturday’s hosts have failed to record a clean sheet in their last three Serie A matchups on the bounce. While Sarri might have a headache over his side’s leaky defence, he does have one leading marksman enjoying another outstanding campaign. Once again finding the net against AC on Tuesday, Cristiano Ronaldo has found the net in each of his last five Serie A contests on the spin.

Team News

After missing Juventus’ midweek trip to the San Siro due to suspension, Maurizio Sarri will once again be able to call upon both Paulo Dybala and Matthijs de Ligt.

Elsewhere, also coming off the bench and making his return from injury on Tuesday night, full-back Alex Sandro could be in for a recall this weekend.

Atalanta

As for the visitors, putting in another dominant display on Wednesday and picking up a 2-0 win against Sampdoria, the mood in Atlanta’s camp couldn’t be any higher. Suddenly with a silver medal finish at the top of their agenda, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men find themselves in the midst of a stunning 11-match winning run across all competitions. With a shock Champions League semi-final on the horizon and with a growing reputation as one of the most exciting sides from across the continent, the Banshees have recorded a stellar 85 Serie A strikes so far this season, the best-attacking record across Europe’s top-five leagues. Even more impressive, Gasperini will be thrilled by his side’s recent displays on the road. Including a 7-0 romp against Torino prior to the break, Atalanta have won their last five away contests on the bounce. Smelling a real upset at the Allianz this weekend, one man to keep an eye out for on Saturday could be the red-hot Luis Muriel. Once again finding the net against Sampdoria earlier in the week, the 29-year-old has now bagged four goals in as many Serie A appearances and also has four in his last four away from the Gewiss Stadium.

Team News

Along with defender Jose Luis Palomino being available after serving a suspension, talisman Josip Ilicic has recovered from injury and is likely to line-up in Gian Piero Gasperini’s starting XI this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off earlier in the season, Juventus picked up a 3-1 win on the road.
• However, Atalanta find themselves in the midst of what has been a stunning 11-match winning run across all competitions.
• Luis Muriel has scored four Serie A goals in as many appearances and also has four strikes in his last four matchups on the road.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has found the net in his last five Serie A matchups on the bounce.
• Juventus have scored four goals in back-to-back matches at the Allianz.

Conclusion

On paper, it is hard to see anything other than an extremely lively contest at the Allianz this weekend. With Juventus coming off the back of that dramatic 4-2 defeat away at AC Milan earlier in the week, the Old Lady have shown some recent issues at the back and their leaky defence will undoubtedly be tested by a free-scoring Atalanta. With the Champions League outfit in the midst of a stunning 11-match winning run across all competitions, Saturday’s guests have already recorded a remarkable 85 Serie A strikes this season. With both Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Muriel in the midst of their own glittering purple patches, we’re backing a string of chances at both ends this weekend.

Verdict: Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: Unibet