Football fans will be treated to an absolute cracker this Tuesday as two heavyweights go at each other. Atalanta host Ajax in this highly-anticipated encounter at the Gewiss Stadium. Which side gets all three points in this Group D matchup?

His would be the first-ever European meeting between these two giants of the European game. Going by their attacking styles of play, we expect to see goals in this game. To back up this argument, all of Atalanta's last seven games have finished with over 2.5 goals, with both sides scoring in six of those games. This certainly does make it a good watch for the neutral fans, and not so for the supporters.

Back-to-Back losses for the Orobici

Gasperini and Co. started the season like world beaters with three comfortable win in the first three league games. They continued exactly where they left off last season, smashing opponents left, right and centre. The trip to Naples seemed to be the start of a rocky patch for the Italian outfit. They were put to the sword in a 4-1 thrashing courtesy of Gattuso and Co.

Atalanta quickly put that loss behind them as they put four past Midtjylland in their opening group stage game in the UCL. The Orobici once again failed to register a win in their most recent league game against Sampdoria. Goals from Quagliarella, Thorsby, and Jankto condemned Atalanta to a 3-1 loss. This would be the first time they've lost two consecutive league games since the 18/19 season.

Free-scoring Ajax look for their first group stage win

Just like their opponents, Ajax also got off an amazing start to the 2020/21 season. However, unlike their opponents, they managed to bounce back from a shocking loss to Groningen on Matchday four with two comprehensive victories since then. With regards to goals scored in the Eredivisie, Feyenoord is second with 12 goals. Ajax leads the way with twice as many goals as Feyenoord in just six league games. Half of those goals were scored in their most recent game as they put 13 past VVV Venlo with a new goal scoring record in the Eredivisie.

De Godenzonen travel to Italy in search of their first group stage win following that 1-0 loss to Liverpool in their opening game. Ajax was left to rue their missed chances as Taglifico's own-goal was the deciding factor. The Dutch outfit will make sure not to pass up golden chances against this Atalanta side.

Atalanta vs Ajax Team News

Mohammed Kudus is the only injury casualty for the away side and is thereby unavailable for this game. With regards to Atalanta, Gollini and Caldara are both ruled out.

Atalanta possible starting XI:

Sportiello; Toloi, Djimsiti, Palomino; Gosens, Freuler, de Roon, Hateboer; Pasalic; Zapata, Gomez

Ajax possible starting XI:

Onana; Mazraoui, Schuurs, Blind, Tagliafico; Klaassen, Gravenberch, Martinez; Neres, Tadic, Promes

Atalanta vs Ajax Prediction: 3-2

In their domestic league, both teams are in contrasting situations. While the home side has been struggling of late, the Dutch outfit is absolutely flying at the moment. As pointed out earlier, goals are expected in this game given both side's attacking firepower. However, we don't see a particular winner at the end of 90 minutes with both sides, on paper, well on par.