Europa Conference League tips: five strong picks for Thursday's clashes

Fifty-three teams will see their European journeys come to an end this week, as the Europa Conference League second qualifying round reaches its conclusion. Here are our top tips for the action ahead.

PAOK vs Levski Sofia

Thursday 28 July, 6.30pm

PAOK have it all to do at the midway point of this tie following a 2-0 defeat in Bulgaria last time out. Levski Sofia came flying out of the traps, taking the lead within seconds of kick-off and doubling it before the first quarter of the game had elapsed. PAOK stabilised and did not concede again, but the damage may have already been done.

The Greek outfit will try to replicate what Levski did last week. They will be determined to wipe out the deficit as quickly as possible, and although that will not be easy we fancy them to draw first blood in Thursday’s return fixture.

Recommended bet: PAOK winning at half-time @ 2.12

Brondby vs Pogon Szczecin

Thursday 28 July, 7pm

There is everything still to play for in this tie, but Pogon Szczecin may have missed their best chance of going through. Their home leg ended in a 1-1 draw, and although it could have been worse for the Polish side last week – they only equalised in the 85th minute – they could have done with beating Brondby on home turf.

Their failure to do so puts the Danish giants in pole position to reach the next round. We anticipate another tight, cagey encounter with neither side willing to take too many risks. Ultimately, though, this is now Brondby’s tie to lose.

Recommended bet: Brondby to win and under 2.5 goals @ 4.6

Fifty-three teams will see their European journeys come to an end this week

Young Boys vs Liepaja

Thursday 28 July, 7pm

Young Boys might have been expecting a straightforward first leg, but they did not have everything their own way in Latvia. Liepaja’s dogged defending and solid organisation made it difficult for their more illustrious opponents to break them down, and it took Young Boys until the 73rd minute until they finally edged ahead.

For all that Liepaja can be pleased with how they acquitted themselves last time out, their chances of advancing are minimal. Playing in front of their own fans, Young Boys should find things much easier this time around.

Recommended bet: Young Boys to win and over 3.5 goals @ 2.04

Mura vs St Patricks Athletic

Thursday 28 July, 7pm

St Patrick’s Athletic are one of two teams flying the flag for the Republic of Ireland in the second round of qualifying. They are the underdogs in this tie following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, but it is not beyond the realms of possibility that they pull off a shock against Mura.

To do so St Pat’s will need to defend with discipline and diligence, while also ensuring they offer some sort of threat going the other way. Mura have not kept a clean sheet in any of the five games they have contested this season (the Slovenian PrvaLiga has already started), so goals at both ends is a distinct possibility.

Recommended bet: Both teams to score @ 1.98

Drita vs Royal Antwerp

Thursday 28 July, 7pm

Royal Antwerp dominated the first leg of this match-up but just could not break Drita’s admirable resistance. The Belgians clocked up 22 shots on total and had the lion’s share of possession, yet the score is still level going into the second leg.

Drita will need to offer a little more going forward this time around, and that could play into Antwerp’s hands. Despite their difficulties last week, we fancy the visitors to come out on top here.

Recommended bet: Royal Antwerp to win to nil @ 2.2

Recommended bets

PAOK HT @ 2.12

Brondby & under 2.5 @ 4.6

Young Boys & over 3.5 @ 2.04

Mura-St Pat’s BTTS @ 1.98

Antwerp to nil @ 2.2