After a stuttering start to the Serie A campaign, losing 3 of their opening 4 matches, Atalanta have surged back into form with a scintillating brand of attacking football that has propelled them to the top of the league. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has become a relentless force, blending high tempo with clinical efficiency, and now look every inch a title contender. Facing a Cagliari side languishing just 3 points above the relegation zone, an away win feels highly likely.

Cagliari’s recent form does little to inspire confidence, with only 1 win in their last 6 matches and 4 defeats in that stretch. While they’ve earned 9 of their 15 points at the Unipol Domus, their fragile defence, conceding 1.75 goals per game, has struggled when faced with stronger opponents. This vulnerability is especially concerning against an Atalanta team boasting the best attack in Serie A.

Atalanta’s resurgence has been marked by an incredible run of results. Prior to Tuesday night’s defeat to Real Madrid, Atalanta were on a run of 9 consecutive victories across all competitions and an unbeaten streak of 14 games, winning 12. Their dominance has persisted in performances away from home, where they’ve won seven straight matches in emphatic fashion. Over that period, they’ve scored 21 goals and conceded just 2, a balance of firepower and defensive solidity that underscores their superiority.

With their eyes firmly set on maintaining their title charge, Atalanta’s form, quality, and momentum make them overwhelming favourites. Against a struggling Cagliari side, they are well-positioned to extend their winning run and continue their march at the top of Serie A.

Mainz’s aspirations for European qualification face a monumental test as they welcome league leaders Bayern Munich to the Mewa Arena. Bayern, with the league’s best attack, best defence, and the strongest away record, present an overwhelming challenge that Mainz will struggle to match.

Despite a recent upturn in form, with four consecutive wins propelling them to 5th in the league, Mainz’s home performances remain a point of concern. While back-to-back home victories have restored some confidence, these came after a dismal run where they earned just 2 points from their first 5 home matches, scoring only 3 goals. Even with their recent revival, the sheer quality and dominance of Bayern Munich may prove insurmountable.

Bayern’s form has been nothing short of imperious, winning 9 of their last 11 matches across all competitions, with only a DFB Pokal loss to Bayer Leverkusen blemishing their record. Their away form in the Bundesliga has been particularly formidable, remaining unbeaten with 5 wins in 7 matches. On the road, Bayern have been devastating, scoring an astonishing 3.43 goals per game while conceding just one – a statistic that spells trouble for a Mainz defence that has struggled against elite opposition.

The recent history between these sides offers little encouragement for Mainz. A 4-0 thrashing by Bayern at the Mewa Arena in the DFB Pokal earlier this season showcased the gulf in quality, while their last 6 meetings in all competitions have seen Bayern win 5 times, with an aggregate score of 26-7.