Betting Preview: Borussia Dortmund v Atalanta: Expect both teams to score

Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta clash for the first time in the Europa League last 32 which has  a lot of prospect of being a thrilling encounter at the Signal Iduna Park on Thursday night.

Peter Stoger's side barely got to this stage of the competition having crashed out of the Champions League as well as the fact that they have not tasted a victory in Europe this season as they got six defeats and two stalemates in their last eight encounters. So, they will look forward to improving their dismal campaign this season.

The Germans back-to-back league wins which has seen them climb up to third place in the Bundesliga can serve as a morale-booster. Despite the taste of defeat in the hands of La Dea in a pre-season friendly in Austria last summer, the BVB are still clear favourites at (1.75) with bet365.

Maja Hitij

Orobici have overwhelmingly walked their way through the group stage of the competition and topped the very resilient Group E that had the likes of Olympique Lyon and Everton. However, Gian Piero Gasperini's men have been finding it hard to produce results as they have scored only two goals in their last three fixtures in all competitions.

Atalanta are therefore chalked up as a (4.75) opportunity to take a lead into next week's return leg.

With this being the two teams' first official meeting, the price of (4.10) is available by the same firm to remain level after 90 minutes.

Stoger's men with their much greater European experience were able to score just four goals in the Champions League. Nerazzurri on their path have netted 14 times in the Europa League.

Hence, goals should be expected at the Westfalenstadion and an offer of (1.66) for Over 2.5 goals should be appealing for punters.

Dortmund will  try to utilize its speed and physicality by playing in aerial balls. Michy Batshuayi with his current hot form lately will look forward to a fantastic start in North Rhine-Westphalia. Having found the back of the net three times in two appearances for the Germans this season, he is tipped at (1.80) to net anytime.

Punters who desire to have a juicy fortune must back both teams to score each other which is offered by bet365 at (1.66). This bet is guaranteed as Atalanta have not failed to score in their last five away games, and same for the home side who have scored in all but one of their last five matches in front of their home crowd.

*Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.