ATALANTA'S Champions League dream is fast becoming a nightmare and the last thing they need as they bid to break their duck is a trip to the Etihad.
The Italians had high hopes of making a decent fist of their first-ever Champions League campaign, but defeats in their first two Group C games have dampened the enthusiasm.
The manner of their latest setback was particularly painful as Gian Piero Gasperini's side took the lead at home to Shakhtar Donetsk before missing a penalty then conceding deep into injury time in a 2-1 defeat.
Their domestic form had at least been going smoothly – 13 points from the last 15 – before they blew a 3-0 lead in the final 20 minutes at Lazio on Saturday to draw 3-3. They'll now have to regroup and attempt to make life difficult for a City side who have dripped below their usual impeccable standards this season.
Despite topping the group after easing to back-to-back wins without conceding, Pep Guardiola's men have made a stuttering start in the Premier League with two defeats and a draw in their first nine games.
They did, however, return from the international break in impressive fashion on Saturday, looking like the City of last season as they swept to a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace that has cut the gap on leaders Liverpool to six points.
Predictably, City are overwhelming favourites at a best 2-9 with Skybet to continue their perfect Group C record here, with Atalanta 14-1 outsiders with bet365 and the draw a 13-2 chance at Marathonbet.
Atalanta's debut away game in the competition was as surprising as it was emphatic, going down 5-0 at Dinamo Zagreb, but they have improved since then and are usually decent on the road – that Zagreb rout was their only defeat in the last 13 away games.
Despite the injury absence of goal machine Duvan Zapata, the Italians proved on Sunday they still boast plenty of attacking threat and both teams to net pays 3-4 at bet365, while a City win and btts is a fair shout at 11-8 with Betway.
The hosts should also win by at least two, with City -1 and over two match goals an attractive proposition at 5-6 with bet365's Bet Builder.
Atalanta's Dutch midfield destroyer Marten de Roon continues to pick up bookings at a prolific rate – he has been booked in six of seven starts for his club this season, including both Champions League appearances – and is worth backing to rack up another.
This UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City and Atalanta will be played on Oct 22, 2019 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs Atalanta prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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