Thursday, Aug. 17 predictions: another binge of matches in the Europa League and Conference League. A place in the playoffs is up for grabs.
The qualifiers for the upcoming European cups are coming into full swing. Another binge of matches is on the way, between the Europa League and Conference League.
The return matches of the third qualifying round will define the framework of the play-offs, the last preliminary before the group stage. Seven matches are scheduled in the Europa League: there should be no shortage of goals in the match between HJK and Qarabag, with the Azeris slightly favored after the 2-1 first leg. Sheriff Tiraspol and Zrinjski Mostar already have qualification in their pockets after swamping Bate Borisov and Breidablik with goals, beaten 5-1 and 6-2 respectively: it is fair to expect more prolific matches. All is in the balance between Genk and Olympiacos: the Greeks came out on top 1-0 seven days ago but the feeling is that the Belgian away match holds more than a few pitfalls. Called to a not easy comeback instead Ludogorets, which surprisingly got the worst of it 2-1 in Kazakhstan against Astana.
Other match predictions
In the Conference League one of the most interesting matches is the one between Paok and Hajduk Split: despite the 0-0 in the first leg, the Bianconeri continue to be favorites – and not only because they play the return match at home – but the Croatians promise battle. New goleada in sight for Dzeko’s Fenerbahçe, who essentially mortgaged qualification by beating Slovenian side Maribor 3-1 and should comfortably win the return match as well.
The spotlight is also on the Saudi Pro League. Tonight it’s the turn of Firmino, Kessié and Saint-Maximin’s Al-Ahli, chasing a second consecutive success after a 3-1 win at Al-Hazem on the first day of the Saudi top league.
Predictions: the Seer’s Choice
- Al-Ahli winner in Al Khaleej-Al Ahli, Saudi Pro league, 8 p.m.
Winners
- Twente (in Riga-Twente, Conference League, 7 p.m.)
- Paok Thessaloniki (in Paok-Hajduk Split, Conference League, 7:30 p.m.)
- Sheriff Tiraspol (in Bate Borisov-Sheriff Tiraspol, Europa League, 8:00 p.m.)
- Ludogorets (in Ludogorets-Astana, Europa League, 8:00 p.m.)
Matches of at least three goals in total
- Hacken-Zalgiris, Europa League, 7 p.m.
- Breidablik-Zrinjski Mostar, Europa League, 7:30 p.m.
- Dnipro-1-Slavia Prague, Europa League, 8:00 p.m.
- Maribor-Fenerbahçe, Conference League, 8:15 p.m.