Slavia Prague vs Sivasspor prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-11-02 17:45.
Progression to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) is far from simple for Slavia Prague, who face a scenario where they could be eliminated despite holding part of a three-way share of the lead. Suffering from a long absentee list, victory against an already qualified Sivasspor would see Slavia tie their Turkish compatriots on ten points, but a Cluj victory against Ballkani too would see Slavia eliminated on the H2H rule.
With five successive wins, culminating in a 4-1 victory against Bohemians 1905 at the weekend, Slavia should at least be confident of holding their end of the bargain and then just live in hope that Ballkani can do them a favour. Winning 12 of their last 20 European home fixtures should further fuel Slavia belief, and after beating Ballkani 1-0 in their last UECL outing, they could now win back-to-back UECL group games for the first time ever.
The picture is a lot clearer for Sivasspor, who just need a point to wrap up top spot in the group, with their safe passage to the knockouts already assured. It looks highly probable that Sivasspor will claim first place in Group G, though there is one unlikely scenario in which they will finish second if they lose to Slavia and Cluj fail to beat basement side Ballkani.
It’s perhaps just as well that Sivasspor have built up a healthy advantage prior to this clash as they have actually lost two of their last three games in all competitions, including a 2-0 defeat against Antalyaspor on Monday. The picture is a little brighter on the road in the UECL, with Sivasspor winning their two prior away group games, though the fact both were by a single-goal margin suggests this will likely be a tight affair.
Key battle: A fan of a fast start at home, Slavia’s Peter Olayinka has seen his five home goals this term arrive in the first half. Bidding to deny him, Sivasspor stopper Ali Sasal Vural has made the joint-most saves (27) among goalkeepers to have played all five games in the UECL group stages this season.
Hot streak: Sivasspor’s last three UECL games have seen more goals in the second half than the first.