Gent vs Breidablik prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-10-25 16:45.
Gent are one of the more well-versed sides in the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) this term and head into matchday three top of Group B. A win for Hein Vanhaezebrouck’s side against Maccabi Tel Aviv last time out in the competition was their only win in five (D3, L1) though, and on Sunday they fell to their first league defeat of the season as they were beaten 2-0 by Cercle Brugge.
The Buffalos have been involved in both UECL campaigns since the competition’s inception two seasons ago, and have made it through to the knockouts on both occasions. That’s certainly a positive omen as Gent seek to return to winning ways, as is the fact they are unbeaten in their last eight home matches in the competition (W6, D2).
The Belgians ought to be hopeful of a three-point return against Icelandic outfit Breiðablik, who at the 11th attempt have qualified for the group stages of a UEFA competition for the first time having exited both the Champions League and Europa League at the qualification stage already this season. ‘Blikar’ have lost both of their inaugural group games in the UECL, with their opening day defeat in Israel to Maccabi Tel Aviv taking their tally to three defeats in five European matches away from home this season (W2).
They’ve conceded 15 goals across those three, winning the other two by a margin of 1-0, but given they arrive on a run of four successive defeats, new boss Halldór Árnason will know another slender victory seems a longshot. With their domestic league now wrapped up, Árnason
takes charge of his first competitive game here, having beaten Rangers B team 3-2 in a friendly on Sunday.
Key battle: With a save percentage of 85.7% in the UECL group stages so far, Gent ‘keeper Davy Roef will be eyeing up a second successive UECL clean sheet on home soil. Bidding to make sure that doesn’t happen, veteran Faroe Islands international Klæmint Olsen scored for Breiðablik in that friendly win in Scotland, and also bagged a brace as they lost out 3-2 to Maccabi Tel Aviv on matchday two.
Hot streak: Gent have won all four of their previous meetings with Icelandic teams.