Like the UEFA Champions League, the qualification for the group stage of the Europa Conference League continues with its second qualifying group.
For many of the competing teams, most in the lower leagues in Europe, the competition presents an opportunity for a major continental silverware.
Watching Roma and Jose Mourinho celebrate winning the inaugural edition gave credence to how much of a success this tournament will be, even in years to come.
In truth, there has been limited viewing for this qualifying stage. However, unlike the UCL where goals have come at a premium, the Conference League has delivered goals in droves.
And for most punters, it only means one thing: more straightforward analysis and eventual rewards for their stakes.
The second leg of matches will begin today. And based on the quality of the teams, some bet options are more feasible to come through.
Here are four teams at this stage that can deliver over 2.5 returns for punters.
APOEL
The Cypriot side has continued to hover around UEFA competitions in the last decade, their biggest feat being a quarter final appearance in the UCL in 2012.
While being the most successful side in Cyprus, the Thrylos could only manage to finish in third place last season.
And without competitive matches this season, Sofronis Avgousti’s men played out a drab goalless draw against Boltev Plodiv in the first leg. The Cypriot Giants have scored just four goals in four friendly matches.
At the GPS stadium, the hosts will be confident to kill off the tie and qualify for the next round. Against the Bulgarian champions, the Nicosia-based team will likely play on the front foot, taking more offensive risks.
The manager will be counting on the likes of Anton Maglica and Dimitris Theodrou to plunder the goals.
And yet, a goal from the opponent could pose more pressure on Avgousti’s side.
There certainly will be goals in this fixture. It is particularly safe to bank on over 2.5 goals with APOEL doing enough to advance.
Istanbul Basaksehir
After a 1-1 draw at home to Maccabi Netanya, the Turkish side will be under pressure as they hope to progress.
Even more will be the fact that the opponent matched them for pace and offensive quality. They could only force the Israeli side to a draw having been behind for most of the game.
Emre Belozoglu will be desperate to reach the group stage of a European competition since they last made it to the UCL two years ago.
Unfortunately, the manager will be unable to call on former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder, Mesut Ozil. The German has not begun training with his new club.
Nacer Chadli will also be absent due to injury. However, former Lazio midfielder, Lucas Biglia and Italian forward Stefano Okaka will prove influential.
On account of quality, Istanbul Basaksehir are prime favourites to score and progress.
Maccabi Tel Aviv
The Israeli giants look primed for qualification after a 3-0 away win against Zira.
Vladimir Ivic’s men were home and dry from the 54th minute courtesy of goals from Dorde Jovanovic and Gavriel Kachinowski.
It is difficult to see Zira pose any threat at Bloomfield. And yet, the Ivic will look to avoid any form of complacency from his side.
If anything, the European serial campaigner will look to consolidate on the aggregate win, clearing any possibility of a comeback as early as possible.
Jovanovic will fancy his chances against the Azerbaijan side. An over 2.5 goals bet seems a very sensible scoreline.
Slavia Praha
The Czech Republic side will be confident of advancing after outclassing St. Joseph’s 4-0 in Gibraltar.
Jindrich Trpsovski will know that his team are overwhelming favorites. However, a first half red card to Pecci Macias seemed to help their cause.
While it might be tempting to take their foot off the pedal in this leg, playing at home in front of the fans will pose a different kind of pressure.
Peter Olayinka will hope to get the nod to start in this one in place of the impressive Yira Sor. Ewerton who has also made a case for a starting berth after an exciting first leg will be keen to score again.
Without being dismissive, this tie looks done. Although, the Trpovski will be keen to make a statement, especially against future opponents.
