Celje vs TNS prediction: EUROPE: Conference League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-12-18 20:00.
[p]Celje and TNS head into the final league phase match of their UEFA Conference League campaigns sitting in the bottom 12, with their hopes of progression teetering on the brink. The Slovenians have arguably been the most entertaining side in the competition, as they are the only team in the main draw to have both scored and conceded at least ten times this term.[/p]
[p]However, Albert Rieraâs men may have seen their European season peak on matchday two when they thrashed Ä°stanbul BaĆakĆehir 5-1, having not won since in the Conference League (D1, L2) Those frustrating results form part of a run of just two wins in eight across all competitions (D3, L3) for Celje, who know only a win will give them the best possible chance of securing a spot in the knockout-phase play-offs. [/p]
[p]TNS by contrast cannot afford anything other than a victory here, and even that may not be enough, depending on other results. Unsurprisingly, their prospects of winning in Slovenia look pretty slim, given that they have suffered defeats in both their away league phase matches to date, while their two most recent Conference League games – both at âhomeâ at Shrewsbury Townâs ground – have seen them lose and fail to score. [/p]
[p]A 4-1 Welsh Cup win over Colwyn Bay on Sunday may have lifted spirits ahead of this latest European trip, but that was also alarmingly the 14th successive time that TNS have failed to keep a clean sheet. Thatâs something they need to address ahead of this do-or-die visit to Stadion ZâdeĆŸele, as is the fact theyâve conceded the opening goal in seven of their last eight matches. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Despite having been a virtual ever-present for Celje domestically, right-back Juanjo Nietoâs two goals this season have both been in the Conference League, and somewhat coincidentally, his last two yellow cards were also in those same matches. TNSâ last two goals against top-tier opposition were both scored by Declan McManus, who has interestingly netted five of his last six goals away from home. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: TNS havenât scored from open play after half-time in their last six Conference League games, including qualifiers. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Alex Bowmer[/i][/p]