Sporting vs Atalanta tips and predictions: Italians to extended unbeaten run in Portugal

Sporting against Atalanta is one of the most attractive games of matchday two in the Europa League group stage with both teams looking to build on a matchday one win.

Sporting won away against Sturm Graz, while Atalanta defeated Rakow Czestochowa.

Things are going well in the league for these two sides. Leoes are undefeated in the current season, while the team from Bergamo are three without defeat in Serie A.

Sporting narrowly beat Farense 3-2 in the previous round. Despite leading 2-0 and having an extra man, Sporting conceded two goals in the second half to make life difficult.

Viktor Gyokeres, a new signing, scored a penalty in the 90th minute to win the game for Sporting, leaving the Lions top of the league with 19 points.

Suggested bet: Atalanta draw no bet

Atalanta have been more consistent this season. The team which had one of the most explosive attacks in Europe a few seasons ago has now found success in defence.

In their last four games, Gian Piero Gasperini's team has not allowed a goal, and they have only conceded five goals in their first eight official games this season.

Last weekend La Dea managed a draw against Juventus which left them sixth in the table. Atalanta has three wins in the last 5 rounds in Serie A. 

Surprisingly, Sporting are on a run of five consecutive games without a win at home in European competitions. 

On the other hand, the Italians are undefeated in six Europa League away games, scoring 17 goals.

Gasperini’s team has also been very good defensively at the start of the season, keeping four clean sheets in their last four official games.

Suggested bet: Viktor Gyokeres to score anytime

Regarding players to watch in this game, Viktor Gyökeres is in superb form.

The player who arrived from Coventry has scored 4 goals in the Portuguese’s last three games and we expect him to continue his excellent form on Thursday.

• Sergiu Baltuta provides tips as SVB Tips on Tipstrr