Atletico Madrid and Udinese are two of the classier teams in the Europa League, with Udinese’s amazing defence likely to help avoid defeat
Atletico Madrid vs Udinese, KO: 20:05 BST
Match Odds: Atletico Madrid 1.59, Udinese 6.2, the draw 4.3
A fortnight ago Udinese beat Atletico 2-0 in a really tight match at the Stadio Friuli. The game was goalless for 88 minutes, but goals from Mehdi Benatia and Anotnio Floro Flores secured three points for the home side. Udinese are top of Group I with seven points, while Atletico are second with four.
Since that match Udinese have won home games against Novara and Palermo, and they suffered their first league defeat of the season at Napoli. Francesco Guidolin's side are second in Serie A, just a point behind leaders Juventus.
Udinese's excellent start to the season has been based on their home form, as they have won just one of their seven away matches in all competitions. That said, they have only lost at Arsenal and Napoli, and they spurned good chances in both of those matches. Udinese's superb defence means they are always in with a shout of picking up a result - they've kept clean sheets in six of their last eight games.
Atletico continue to be maddeningly inconsistent, and in their three games since the Udinese defeat they've picked up a win, a draw and a loss. Los Rojiblancos have won just one of their last three games at the Vicente Calderon, and that was against a Real Zaragoza side that has lost three on the bounce.
Udinese's away form is far from stellar, but I can't understand why Atletico are 1.59 to win. That looks far too short against a team playing with confidence and defending superbly. I would back the draw at 4.3 or lay Atletico at 1.59
Over/under 2.5 goals
I predicted a tight encounter when these two clashed in Italy, and I expect the reverse fixture to be no different. Udinese are rock-solid but have only scored more than once in one of their away games, while Atletico have failed to score in five of their last eight matches. Back under 2.5 goals at 1.97.
Both teams to score?
Atletico's attack misfires on a regular basis, while Udinese have one of the most solid defensive units in Europe. Back No in the Both Teams to Score market at 1.9.
Recommended Bet: Lay Atletico at 1.59 or back the draw at 4.3
Best Bet: Back No in the Both Teams to Score market at 1.9
