Marseille v Atalanta

Marseille vs Atalanta Preview

Marseille extended their recent unbeaten run in all competitions to four games on the weekend in the French top flight with a 2-1 home win against Lens which lifted the hosts up inso seventh place in the Ligue 1 table but Marseille will be looking to make the most of their opportunity in this season's Europa League as their chances of a European spot for next season hang in the balance somewhat.

Recent wins against Benfica (on penalties in the quarter-finals of the Europa League) and Lens along with points gained in draws with Toulouse and Nice on the domestic front will give Marseille a welcome boost ahead of this upcoming 1st leg tie at their Orange Vélodrome on Thursday night.

However, the hosts had previously stumbled to five defeats on the trot in all competitions which included losses incurred in the Europa League to Villarreal and Benfica along with losses in Ligue 1 against the likes of Rennes, PSG and Lille, so confidence in the home camp may still be a little fragile prior to this two-legged semi-final.

Goals look to be the better option for this encounter as Marseille have lost five of their last 10 matches but six of Marseille's last 10 games in all competitions have resulted in Over 2.5 goals.

Atalanta are the other Italian representatives in the semi-finals of this season's Europa League and the visitors look to be well placed to get a result of some sort in this 1st leg tie at the Orange Vélodrome having registered wins in each of their last three games with victories achieved against Monza, Fiorentina and Empoli respectively.

However, recent results overall have been a bit of a mixed bag for Gian Piero Gasperini's side as Atalanta have collected six wins, been involved in one draw as well as slipping to three defeats, two of which were handed to them on the road at Fiorentina (in the Coppa Italia) and Cagliari in Serie A so the visitors will need to be at the top of their game if they're to come out on top in Thursday night's 1st leg tie.

Goals also look set to feature though from Atalanta's point of view as no fewer than seven of the visitors' last 10 games in all competitions have resulted in Over 2.5 goals being scored and this upcoming clash with Marseille looks like being an entertaining affair with both sides keen to gain an edge.

Marseille v Atalanta Verdict

Both Marseille and Atalanta will fancy their chances of not only gaining the upper hand in this 1st leg but of this semi-final overall and therefore the goals market looks appealing here at a decent price.

In terms of a possible winner in this 1st leg, Atalanta may just sneak this one.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.90

Other side bets worth considering:

Atalanta win @ 2.80

Correct Score: Atalanta 2-1 @ 10.00