The Europa League isn’t the only place for drama tonight. The Conference League quarter-final second legs are here, and we’ve got some absolute mountains to climb. Whether it’s Premier League high-flyers looking to finish the job or European regulars fighting for survival, tonight is going to be massive for the betting slips.
Here is your quick-fire guide to the Conference League action.
Fiorentina vs Crystal Palace
This is the big one. Palace stunned everyone with a clinical 3-0 win in South London last week. Fiorentina has reached the semis in the last three seasons, but they need a historic night at the Artemio Franchi to keep that streak alive. While the Italians are strong at home, Oliver Glasner has Palace playing with a confidence we haven’t seen in years. Expect the Viola to win the game on the night, but the damage might already be done.
• Prediction: 2-1 (Palace advance on aggregate)
• Top Tip: Both Teams to Score (BTTS).
AZ Alkmaar vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar brings a massive 3-0 advantage to the Netherlands after a dominant first leg. AZ Alkmaar are usually goal machines at the AFAS Stadium, but they’ve left themselves with too much to do. They’ll throw the kitchen sink at Shakhtar early on, which could leave them open at the back.
• Prediction: 2-1 (Shakhtar advance)
• Top Tip: Over 2.5 Goals.
AEK Athens vs Rayo Vallecano
AEK Athens are in the driver’s seat after a shock 3-0 win in the first leg. Rayo Vallecano are usually disciplined, but they fell apart in the reverse fixture. Moving the game to Greece makes it even harder for the Spaniards. AEK just needs to keep their heads to book a spot in the final four.
• Prediction: 1-1
• Top Tip: Under 2.5 Goals.
RC Strasbourg vs Mainz 05
Mainz heads to France with a tidy 2-0 lead. Strasbourg has been incredibly resilient at the Stade de la Meinau, staying unbeaten in their last seven home games. They need a two-goal margin just to force extra time. Mainz are masters of the “clean sheet” lately, so Strasbourg will have to be perfect in front of goal.
• Prediction: 1-0 (Mainz advance)
• Top Tip: Strasbourg to Win (Match Betting).
