The UEFA Europa League final takes place in Dublin tomorrow between arguably the team of the season in Bayer Leverkusen and Serie A high-flyers Atalanta.
Here, we will examine the teams’ form, the latest injury news and check out the best betting offers ahead of the game.
Atalanta v Bayer Leverkusen: Match Preview
Leverkusen stand on the brink of history with only two games left to navigate before they can lay claim to an unbeaten season in all competitions. They completed the feat in the Bundesliga at the weekend with a 2-1 win at home to Augsburg. Their record in the domestic league is remarkable: P34, W28, D6, L0.
After the Europa League final they take on 2.Bundesliga side Kaiserslautern in the final of the DFB-Pokal.
Their record demonstrates the quality of the job undertaken by coach Xabi Alonso. The former Real Madrid, Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder was coveted by all three of his ex-employers but has opted to remain at the BayArena for another 12 months.
Leverkusen will not find it easy against Atalanta, however.
Gian Piero Gasperini has worked wonders to get the Bergamo-based club to this stage of the competition. They have seen off Sporting CP, Liverpool and Marseille in the knockout stages to secure their place in the final and, under Gasperini, they play with a fearless, front-foot approach that will come head-to-head with Leverkusen’s high press.
The game takes place at the Dublin Arena and kick-off at 2000 UK BST.
Latest Team News
Leverkusen will be at full strength with no known issues for Alonso to contend with.
The same can’t be said for Atalanta who are assessing defenders Rafael Toloi and Sead Kolasinac, who both have thigh issues. Emil Holm is not expected to be fit while Marten De Roon is out after coming off in last week’s Coppa Italia final defeat to Juventus.
Expected line-ups
Atalanta: Musso; Djimsiti, Hien, Scalvini; Zappacosta, Koopmeiners, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Scamacca, Lookman
Leverkusen: Kovář; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Stanišić, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Wirtz; Frimpong, Adli
Prediction
Alonso has asked Leverkusen’s players to go to the well throughout a long, arduous season and this may be one step too far.
Atalanta proved against Liverpool they can mix it with the best and so we’re going for the underdogs to cause an upset.
Bet365 have Leverkusen as 4/5 favourites with Atalanta out at 10/3.
Best Betting Sites for Atalanta v Bayer Leverkusen
Check out these top UK betting sites for your Europa League bets this week!
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Summary
It ought to be a cracking game – two in-form sides slugging it out with plenty at stake.
No matter who you’re supporting and whether you’re watching live from Dublin or at home, why not try one of our recommended betting sites above for your bets? Fans will always get essential updates, match predictions and previews, competitive odds, and fantastic welcome offers from the bookies above. Press on one of the betting offers that fits your needs to go to the site’s sign-up page and place your bets for this match!
