Those who qualify remain in Europe, those who are eliminated are out of everything. The decisive moment has also arrived in the Conference League, where the teams that are defeated in the play-offs for the championship phase will not have the chance to “relegate” to another competition, as has been the case until now. This round also sees the representatives of the top five European leagues take to the stage, including Fiorentina: we have dedicated a separate post to the Viola, who will face Ukrainian side Polissya.
The French side Strasbourg were not very lucky in the draw: they start as favorites against Brondby, but the feeling is that the Danes will give the team coached by Englishman Liam Rosenior a run for their money.
In the third round, they overturned Vikingur after losing 3-0 in the first leg, and in the league they are keeping pace with leaders Copenhagen (12 points in 5 games). In short, despite being the favorites, it will not be a walk in the park for Strasbourg, considering that the Alsatian club—victorious against Metz in the first round of Ligue 1—is not used to playing twice a week. Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, should have one foot in the next round: both the English and Spanish sides have a good chance of beating the Norwegians of Fredrikstad and the Belarusians of Neman Grodno by a comfortable margin. Qualification is also within reach for Turkish side Basaksehir: after knocking out Cherno More and Viking, the Istanbul club should also prevail over Romanian side Universitatea Craiova. The goal, in this case, is to make the most of home advantage and then travel to Romania with peace of mind.
Predictions for the other matches
Shakhtar Donetsk undoubtedly suffered a heavy blow with their elimination from the Europa League by Panathinaikos, which came after two 0-0 draws and penalties. The Ukrainians need to regroup quickly, because Servette will not roll out the red carpet for them, especially considering that the return leg will be played in Switzerland in a week’s time: they will need at least three goals in total on neutral ground in Krakow.
The dream continues for Hamrun, coached by Italian Giacomo Modica: it would not be a surprise if they managed to get a positive result against RFS Riga. Finally, as for matches with at least one goal per side, keep an eye on the games between Győr and Rapid Vienna, Lausanne and Besiktas, and Celje and Banik Ostrava.
Conference League: possible winners
Hamrun Spartans or a draw (in Hamrun Spartans-RFS Riga)
Strasbourg (in Strasbourg-Brondby)
Basaksehir (in Basaksehir-Universitatea Craiova)
Matches with at least three goals in total
Shakhtar Donetsk-Servette
Neman-Rayo Vallecano
Crystal Palace-Fredrikstad
Conference League: matches with at least one goal per team
Gyor-Rapid Vienna
Losanna-Besiktas
Celje-Banik Ostrava
Odds comparison
Strasbourg’s victory is priced at 1.50 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai. The “Over 2.5” bet in Neman Grodno-Rayo Vallecano is priced at 1.45 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.48 on Snai.
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