Date: November 2, 2021
Time: 21:00 CET, 16:00 EST
Daylight savings (or lack thereof yet in the US) pushes back Tuesday’s kickoff in one of Atalanta’s biggest matches in club history. The match holds very big implications in how Group F will be played next month. Perhaps more importantly, it cannot be understated how momentous it is for Bergamo and the fans to witness one of the biggest clubs in European football set foot in Gewiss Stadium. Last year the Gewiss was empty against Liverpool, so one can argue that Tuesday’s clash can go down into the history books for Atalanta – three points would make it even sweeter!
But enough waxing about “how great” Manchester United is, there are winnable points up for grabs that Atalanta can certainly earn. Manchester United has been shaky since the clubs last clashed, with Solksjaer’s job hanging on by the slightest of threads. United recently did enough against Tottenham to get Espiritu Santo sacked, but its5-0 loss at home to Liverpool still looms large in the minds of many United fans, and should for Atalanta fans as well.
It’s up for debate which version of Manchester United will show up on any given day, especially traveling internationally midweek. Heck Solksjaer employed a three at the back lineup against Tottenham (using Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, and Harry Maguire in defense), so even the formation is in question for a team in limbo. The peaks and valleys of United this year makes the English squad vulnerable, but can Atalanta take advantage of it? It’s tough to say, but Atalanta are finally starting to get healthy reinforcements, while Manchester United continue to wander through a desert in search of an oasis. Its prime time for Atalanta to take advantage of the United situation, it just comes down to if the boys can execute.
Manchester United Player to Watch- Scott McTominay
Scott McTominay may not be the classic household name to profile for Manchester United. But with a team in so much flux, a player that can bring a calming effect to the chaos surrounding him may prove vital. McTominay (and Fred for that degree) was very effective in suffocating Atalanta with pressure last time out, and helped to propel United’s comeback. Even without scoring or contributing splash offensive plays, McTominay caused so much havoc for Koopmeiners and Freuler – Atalanta’s offensive output suffered as a result (especially in the second half).
With the uncertainty about Manchester United’s formation, one constant will be United’s midfield. If McTominay excels, United will probably be able to kick on. If Freuler and Koopmeiners can establish control in the midfield, Atalanta should be able to control the match on its home ground.
Atalanta’s Predicted Starting XI
Great news, Atalanta is getting healthier at the back! Berat Djimsiti has sufficiently recovered from his forearm injury to be listed in the squad, but will he play?
It’s conceivable that he won’t start, but his injury should not have prevented him from participating in conditioning activities; thus, there should be less concerns about his stamina and may be prepared to put in a good shift. After Lovato’s performance against last time against United, Gasperini will probably do his upmost to favor experience over youth. Even if Djimsiti is not healthy, Marten de Roon probably gets the nod over Lovato at centerback, and Teun Koopmeiners would slot in at midfield.
Up front Mario Pasalic and Duvan Zapata should be locks to start. If United in fact lines up with three centerbacks, having Pasalic find pockets of space to work in will be much more valuable than two playmakers in Josip Ilicic and Ruslan Malinovskyi. This is also the type of match that screams for Robin Gosens. With so little offensive firepower lurking around the backpost, it gives Manchester United’s backline (and Aaron Wan Bissaka) much less to deal with in terms of situational awareness. Joakim Maehle doesn’t often make runs to the far post, but Gasperini should take the reigns off him a little bit and permit him to take a few flyers. If not to score, it may at least keep Solksjaer’s defense honest and at least respect the possibility of a back post run.
More than anything the lack of linkup by the wingbacks suggests how much La Dea miss Robin Gosens!
Atalanta’s 3 Keys to 3 Points
Control the midfield – Last time out, especially in the second half, Remo Freuler and Teun Koopmeiners got swallowed up by McTominay and Fred. Granted it was an all out effort by Manchester United to push and press aggressively, but the double pivot could not cope. De Roon potentially slotting back into the middle could help, just by blowing up attacks, and making the right pass (even if its a safe one).
Find a way to match up Zapata against Victor Lindelof– When Manchester United played its back three against Tottenham, Lindelof played on the right side (Atalanta’s left) of the defense. Fortunately, Zapata loves to work the left side of the channel, and La Dea should look to exploit United’s weakest defender against one of the most physical and in-form strikers in Italy. Runs into the box by Malinovskyi, Pasalic, and Zappacosta should also be compulsory as they try to latch onto a pass from the Colombian.
Spy Bruno Fernandes– Stopping Bruno Fernandes will make or break Atalanta’s defensive plan. He was awarded far too much open space last match-up which begs the question: should a spy be put on him? Is it worth have Freuler or maybe even Demiral just follow him all over the pitch and force him to make quick and hopefully poor decisions? United doesn’t win last time out without him, so it may be worth investigating.
Earning a point against Manchester United is not mandatory for Atalanta to advance out of Group F, but it would certainly help the cause. Villarreal hasn’t been great in La Liga, but the Valencian side can kick it into overdrive at any moment. Atalanta needs to put as much of a cushion between itself and Villarreal. Waiting until the last match of the groups is La Dea’s MO so far in the Champion’s League, but the club could do itself a whole lot of good with three points, or even one point, on Tuesday. The task is obviously not easy, but Atalanta demonstrated it can go toe to toe with the likes of an all-star team on paper. This time around La Dea hopefully won’t have a makeshift defense, and can put on a proper defensive display against Cristiano Ronaldo and company. The fire is there, just time to go and execute! As always, Forza Dea!!!
