Atalanta v Villarreal: Italians will get the job done

Atalanta 1.794/5 v Villarreal 4.57/2; The Draw 4.216/5
Wednesday 8 December, 20:00
Live on BT Sport ESPN

Italians in the better form

Atalanta and Villarreal are both fighting it out for second spot in Group F, with a place in the last-16 of the Champions League at stake.

It's Villarreal that currently occupy second place with seven points after five games (W2 D1 L2). They can move level on points with Manchester United, but not above them, due to having an inferior head-to-head record. A draw would be enough for Villarreal to keep third placed Atalanta at bay.

Atalanta are a point behind Villarreal in third (W1 D3 L1). They need to win this game to make the last-16, but should they lose and Young Boys beat Manchester United, then they could finish bottom of the group and miss out on the Europa League spot that they currently occupy.

It's Atalanta that are in the better form. Their 3-2 win at Napoli over the weekend, was their third straight win and extended their unbeaten run to ten games (W6 D4). Villarreal lost 1-0 to Sevilla, which means that they have now lost three of their last four games (W1).

Atalanta could concede in victory

It's Atalanta that are the favourites at 1.794/5, with the draw at 4.216/5 and Villarreal at 4.57/2.

The reverse fixture ended in a 2-2 draw and with Atalanta in the better form, they look the rightful favourites. Villarreal have yet to win an away game all season in La Liga, losing three of their last four (D1).

While backing the hosts looks a decent bet, if you want some more value, combine an Atalanta win with both teams to score at 3.211/5. Atalanta have both scored and conceded in four of their five group games.