Mostly unfashionable initially, but not anymore. The Europa Conference League– UEFA’s newly introduced third-tier club competition- has become a profitable market for smart punters.
The football has also been exciting, delivering upsets and particularly, goals aplenty.
Teams like Leicester City and Marseille who were demoted from the Europa League were largely comfortable in the round of 32. Somehow, PSV struggled to progress against Maccabi Tel-Aviv. They managed to defeat the Israeli team, 2-1 on aggregate.
It is old news, of course, that Tottenham failed to progress from the group stage. The Premier League team managed just two wins, both at home.
With the draws for the round of 16 already done, some mouth-watering fixtures are lined-up. It becomes even more competitive from here.
Here are some brilliant bet options for this round of the Europa Conference League that punters can cash out with.
Goal/Goal In Both Legs Between Vitesse And Roma
Having finished top of the group in the group stage, Roma will resume its campaign in the round of 16.
The Serie A side has been largely disappointing in the League this season, especially after appointing Jose Mourinho. And if they hoped to begin a rebuild of the team after last season’s ‘disaster’, they have become worse.
Sitting in sixth position, the Giallorossi have won just two out of their last five matches. Tammy Abraham scoring with the last kick of the game to defeat Spezia on Saturday. The remaining have been draws.
Fascinatingly, Mourinho’s men have conceded at least two goals in three of their last five league matches.
Even with three central defenders, they have not stopped conceding goals. While Abraham and Lorenzo Pellegrini would likely score, Chris Smalling and his partners will similarly concede.
On the continent, the Italian team shipped in at least a goal in four of six matches played in the group stage. Who can forget the 6-1 loss to Bodo/Glimt?
Vitesse has not been stellar as well, not this season, in truth. The Dutch side struggled to overcome Rapid Wien 3-2 on aggregate in the round of 32.
The Vites have managed just one win in five in the Eredivisie. Yet, they will count on loanee signing, Lois Openda for the goals.
A goal/goal outcome is about the safest in this fixture.
Over 1.5 Goals In Both Legs Between Marseille and Basel
After a poor display in the Europa League which saw the Ligue 1 side finish third the Europa League group stage, they seem very interested in this competition.
They eased past Qarabag 6-1 on aggregate in the Round of 32 in the Conference League. However, they face Basel who topped the group which featured the Azerbaijan team.
15 points behind PSG in second place in the League, Jorge Sampaoli has done a brilliant job with this side.
Dimitri Payet has remained a constant feature in this team. However, Matteo Guendouzi, who recently signed permanently has been outstanding in midfield.
The Argentine manager favours aggression in and out of possession. Young talents like Konrad De la Fuente is also coming into their own.
Basel is a very high-scoring team. The play is fluid- quick passing and clinical finishing. In the Swiss League, they have managed 50 goals in 23 matches.
They are also defensively solid. Guille Abascal’s men have conceded the fewest goals in the league.
This fixture looks sure to produce goals. An over 1.5 goal margin seems very safe for punters.
Over 2.5 Goals In Both Legs Between PSV and Copenhagen
PSV is making the best of its situation in Europe this season. Having dropped out from the Europa League, they edged out one of the Conference League’s best teams, Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the previous round.
In the Eredivisie, the Boeren are almost neck-and-neck with Ajax, just two points behind the leaders.
They are very effective in possession, able to win matches even by the odd goal. Mario Gotze and former Tottenham forward, Vincius have contributed immensely.
Copenhagen will not be pushovers in this tie. Not one bit. They top the Danish SuperLiga and blew out just about every comer in the group stage.
Khouma Boubacar will fancy his chances in this encounter.
Under 3.5 Goals Between PAOK and Gent
Two low-scoring sides are set to face off in the round of 16. It is very safe to expect a few goals from this fixture.
PAOK managed just eight goals in group F. Indeed, they overcame Midtjylland 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate scoreline.
Their last five matches in the Greek Super League have produced less than four goals.
Gent, in the same vein, finished top of Group B, scoring just six goals. The Belgian side has won three of their last five league games by a 1-0 scoreline.
With both teams prioritising defending, it is safe to stick to an over 3.5 option for these encounters.
