Atalanta have hit a bit of turbulence after a spell when they were flying and their UEFA Champions League dream will be grounded if they fail to hit the heights in Bergamo against Club Brugge.
Gian Piero Gasperini were one of Europe's form teams earlier in the campaign during a 14-game unbeaten run that saw them rack up 12 victories in all competitions.
But they've won just three of their last 12 matches and have work to do in the Champions League play-offs after losing 2-1 in Belgium last week.
Slips Tips banked on goals at both ends in that clash and was proved correct with the score tied at 1-1 by half-time. It looked like the Serie A side would take a decent result back to Italy but Club Brugge won it at the death as Gustaf Nilsson scored from the spot.
That made it back-to-back wins for Nicky Hayen's men after a slump in form that had seen Brugge go four games without a win, including a 3-1 loss at Manchester City that brought up another bet for Slips Tips.
The Belgians only crept into the play-offs ahead of Dinamo Zagreb on goal difference after finishing 24th in the table but they have a lead to protect in Bergamo and will fancy their chances of springing a shock.
How the bookies view it: Italians to get the job done
Despite trailing in the tie, Atalanta are still BoyleSports' 3/4 favourites to reach the last 16, with Club Brugge priced at evens. For a win on the night, the Serie A side are even shorter at 8/15, with the Belgians 9/2 shots and the draw paying 16/5.
Head to head: Brugge can draw some comfort
That 2-1 win for Club Brugge last week was the first meeting of these clubs in European competition. But the Belgians did play Italian opposition in the league phase, drawing 0-0 at home to Juvenuts. A repeat of that result in Bergamo would take them through.
Players to watch: De Ketelaere on the boil
Belgian forward Charles De Ketelaere is having an excellent season for Atalanta, chipping in with 11 goals. Four of those strikes have come in the Champions League and he's 15/8 at Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Experienced midfielder Hans Vanaken is always a goal threat for Club Brugge and his tally for the season sits at eight. He's 13/2 to add to that tally here, which looks a little overpriced.
Probable line-ups
Atalanta's recent slump could be down to the absence of key strikers Gianluca Scamacca and Ademola Lookman. Both are set to miss out again along with Sead Kolasinac, Daniel Maldini, Giorgio Scalvini and Odilon Kossounou.
Club Brugge's squad is in a much healthier state with only Bjorn Meijer ruled out and Zaid Romero doubftul.
Atalanta:Rui Patricio, Hien, Posch, Djimsiti, Ederson, De Roon, Cuadrado, Zappacosta, Pasalic, De Ketelaere, Retegui.
Club Brugge: Mignolet, Ordonez, Mechele, De Cuyper, Seys, Tzolis, Onyedika, Vanaken, Jashari, Talbi, Jutgla.
Anything else catch the eye?
Club Brugge have drawn a blank in just two of their nine games in the Champions League so it bodes well for goals at both ends once more, provided boss Hayen doesn't try to park the bus.
BTTS is just 7/10 with BoyleSports but adding on over 2.5 goals boosts the odds to 11/10 with BoyleSports. Atalanta boss Gasperini always sends his side out to attack so backing Atalanta to score in both halves also appeals at 13/10.
Club Brugge midfielder Christos Tzolis caught my eye when they drew 1-1 with Celtic in Glasgow as he was a big threat. He's 11/10 with Bet365 just to have an effort on target tonight and that looks decent value.
This UEFA Champions League match between Atalanta and Club Brugge will be played on Feb 18, 2025 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Atalanta vs Club Brugge prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
