St. Gallen vs Vitoria Guimaraes prediction: EUROPE: Conference League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-12-11 20:00.
[p]In their first-ever UEFA Conference League campaign, St. Gallen sit on the cusp of the qualification spots ahead of the penultimate round of the league phase, kept out of the top 24 only on goal difference. After losing their first two matches in the competition, conceding ten goals in the process, the Swiss Super League outfit have got themselves back in contention with four points from their last two games (W1, D1).[/p]
[p]Enrico Maaßen’s men have however conceded eight second-half goals across their four league-phase games to date and have the worst defensive record of any side in Europe’s third-tier competition this season after matchday four. They did strike in the final half-hour of normal time themselves against both Larne (2-1) and TSC (2-2) to pick up their four points though, and could still progress to the knockout phase of a UEFA competition for the first time in their history. [/p]
[p]Portuguese visitors Vitória Guimarães are attempting to do the same, with this also their first time in the Conference League’s main draw. Despite still awaiting their first clean sheet of the league phase, the Primeira Liga side have taken ten points from the opening four rounds (W3, D1) to at least guarantee themselves a spot in the knockout-phase play-offs.[/p]
[p]Sitting fifth ahead of Thursday’s fixtures, automatic progression to the last 16 will be the aim now, with clubs needing to finish in the top eight to earn that privilege. Having come from behind to earn a point last time out in Europe against Astana (1-1), Rui Borges’ side will have their sights set on a quick start here in the knowledge that all three of their Conference League wins this term saw them open the scoring.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Christian Witzig has recorded five assists in his last seven appearances across all competitions, including one in both of St. Gallen’s last two Conference League outings. Vitória’s Manu has registered two goal involvements in the competition’s league phase to date (G1, A1), with both coming in the first 15 minutes of the second half.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Four of Vitória’s six previous meetings with Swiss teams have seen at least one side record a clean sheet.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Ben Olawumi[/i][/p]