Zrinjski vs Aston Villa prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-12-13 17:45.
After picking up just one win from five attempts in UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) Group E so far (L4), Bosnian side Zrinjski head into the final group stage matchday already knowing that qualifying for the knockout rounds is impossible. Instead, the hosts will look to end their campaign on a high and produce a famous night in the club’s history, as they take on Aston Villa for a second time hoping to avenge their 1-0 loss in October’s reverse.
The reigning Bosnian Premier League champions got back to winning ways over the weekend with a 2-0 success after losing both of their prior outings, the first of which saw their UECL elimination confirmed by AZ. A return to home soil should at least be welcomed, as Zrinjski have won six of their last seven competitive outings at Stadion pod Bijelim Brijegom, scoring three or more goals in four of those!
Even in that form, the home side will struggle to keep pace with visiting Villa who beat both Manchester City and Arsenal 1-0 last week to strengthen their claim as potential Premier League title challengers this campaign. Those wins in turn extended the Villains’ current run to just one defeat in 14 competitive outings (W11, D2), a streak that has also helped them secure their safe passage to the UECL knockout rounds.
Top spot is still up for grabs here, and all Villa need to do is avoid defeat to claim it, but despite their recent form looking imperious, their recent away results have been a little patchy, with Villa winning just three of their prior eight away matches across all competitions (D2, L3) and keeping just one clean sheet during that streak!
Players to watch: Bilbija Nemanja has been in stunning form for Zrinjski this season, scoring 19 goals in 30 competitive outings, with his last five on home soil all coming before half-time. Meanwhile, four of John McGinn’s six strikes for Aston Villa this campaign have served as match openers, including Saturday’s winner against Arsenal.
Hot stat: Aston Villa have scored inside the opening 15 minutes in three of their five UECL matches this season.