FC Astana vs Vitoria Guimaraes prediction: EUROPE: Conference League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-11-27 15:30.
[p]Astana ended their domestic engagements this month by finishing second in the 2024 Kazakhstan Premier League, and will now set their sights on improving their standing in the UEFA Conference League. A win on matchday one was followed by consecutive defeats leaving them outside the top 24, and with a game against current leaders Chelsea in the next round, this match against Vitória could be crucial for any hopes of progression.[/p]
[p]Home form could end up key to their hopes as the Kazakhs have won ten competitive games in a row at this venue. That sequence includes four in this competition and with three of those coming with an accompanying clean sheet, including on matchday one, Astana are likely to bank on their defensive performances to hold them in good stead here. [/p]
[p]Vitória are one of the six teams to have started this Conference League campaign with three consecutive wins putting them in a strong position to reach the knockout stage of a European competition for the first time since 1986/87. Their record in this competition is impressive, as including qualifiers, the Conquerors have won nine Conference League games in a row, six of those ‘to nil’. And with three wins from their last four matches (L1), the visitors are likely to travel with confidence.[/p]
[p]That said, away form has been a concern for Rui Borges’ side as they are winless across their last three trips (D1, L2). That travel sickness hasn’t been apparent in Europe though, with Vitória winning each of their past five away Conference League games while keeping three clean sheets in the process.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Marin Tomasov has been on the winning side for Astana when scoring on each of the last seven occasions, while his side also secured a shutout in six of those matches. Óscar Rivas could be a key defender for Vitória here as they bid to stop Tomasov, but two goals from his last three matches, including the winner on match day three, suggests he could be dangerous in the opposition’s box too.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Only three of Astana’s last 12 Conference League matches saw both teams score.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Sridhar B[/i][/p]