Lugano vs HJK prediction: EUROPE: Conference League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-10-02 19:00.
[p]After falling short in both Champions League and Europa League qualifying this season, Lugano will complete the full set of three UEFA competitions for the campaign when they enter the UEFA Conference League on Thursday. The Swiss outfit have found European competition to be a struggle over the years, failing to win any of their home matches since 2017/18 (D5, L6).[/p]
[p]To make matters worse, across their eight European matches at the Cornaredo Stadium preceding this term the Bianconeri netted only once. There has, however, been a significant improvement at the top end of the pitch in this campaign, with eight goals scored – as well as nine conceded – in their three matches this season![/p]
[p]Visitors HJK are another side who have dipped into multiple UEFA tournaments across a season, participating in all three themselves in 2021/22 as well as 2023/24. This campaign they were knocked out of the Champions League in the first qualifying round before coming through two gruelling ties to reach the league phase of the Conference League.[/p]
[p]At least half of their matches look fraught with danger however, considering that HJK have failed to win any of their last 14 European outings on the road (D4, L10)! And with no wins from their last three domestic games at any venue either (D2, L1), HJK will be desperate to end both barren runs with a victory in Switzerland.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Renato Steffen came off the bench on Sunday to score twice, which means his last seven strikes have all come at the Cornaredo Stadium in the second half of matches (W4, D2)! Striker Lee Erwin signed for HJK in July and began with two uneventful showings from the bench but has either been booked, scored or provided an assist in each of his 13 subsequent appearances![/p]
[p]Hot stat: Lugano have conceded in both halves of all three of their home European matches so far this season.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Tom Penn[/i][/p]