Paphos vs Heidenheim prediction: EUROPE: Conference League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-10-23 19:00.
[p]Pafos got their debut European main-draw campaign off to the dream start when they beat Petrocub Hîncești 4-1, but their next opponents come in the form of Bundesliga overachievers Heidenheim who certainly represent a step up in quality from their UEFA Conference League matchday-one opponents. The Cypriots have largely thrived in continental competition this season at Alphamega Stadium, winning three of their four such games there including qualifiers (L1), with the last three of those encounters seeing them score ten times without conceding![/p]
[p]Since the victory over Petrocub, Pafos have registered back-to-back domestic league wins to remain top of the table, and were they to avoid defeat against Heidenheim here, it would extend their unbeaten home run to eight matches (W6, D1). That would be their longest such streak since December 2022, when they put together a formidable 13-game sequence as hosts (W7, D6).[/p]
[p]Heidenheim are also experiencing their first-ever season on the European stage, but are yet to know anything other than victory in continental competition having beaten Häcken home and away in qualifying before defeating Olimpija Ljubljana on matchday one of the league phase. Those games were anything but comfortable, as Frank Schmidt’s side only won by a one-goal margin each time, scoring winners in the 65th, 83rd and 92nd minutes.[/p]
[p]The German outfit are searching for a first European clean sheet still, having shut out three of their Bundesliga opponents so far in 2024/25. If Heidenheim go 1-0 up on Thursday, don’t be surprised if they win despite their leaky nature, as they have done so in nine of their last ten such encounters across all competitions.  [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Not known for being a hugely prolific goalscorer over the years, Pafos centre-back David Goldar has been lethal this season, netting four times, including three in the last four games. The Spaniard may have to keep tabs on tricky Heidenheim attacker LĂ©o Scienza instead here, who in 13 of his last 18 appearances has either scored, registered an assist or picked up a yellow card (G8, A7, YC2).[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Heidenheim haven’t drawn any of their last 12 competitive matches (W8, L4). [/p]
[p][i]Written by Alex Bowmer[/i][/p]