RFS vs Fiorentina prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-11-02 15:30.
With only two points after their first five group stage matches in the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL), RFS have only pride left to play for in the final act of their European group stage debut. They may hope to add to that two-point haul having celebrated a point in their historical European group stage opener against Fiorentina (1-1), but three defeats in their four UECL matches matches following, including the last one at Hearts (2-1), certainly doesn’t instil confidence.
RFS celebrated the 2021 Latvian domestic double – something they certainly won’t repeat this year after drawing 1-1 with league leaders Valmiera on Sunday. In fact, RFS are now looking over their shoulder and will have to defend their three-point cushion over fourth place, knowing failure would mean no European qualification for next term!
After beating Ä°stanbul BaĹźakĹźehir 2-1 to join the Turkish outfit on ten points atop of Group A, Fiorentina travel north with their progress in the competition already secured. However, should Fiorentina better the result BaĹźakĹźehir gain at home against Hearts, the Italian side will go directly into the round of 16 as group winners rather than into the knockout round play-offs.
Arthur Cabral’s late goal at Spezia secured a 2-1 victory on Sunday and ensured Fiorentina registered consecutive wins for the first time since mid-August. That result sees Vincenzo Italiano's men come into this crucial clash in their best form in months, and unbeaten in three away outings (W2, D1) for the first time since February, so Fiorentina may fancy their chances of snatching top spot.
Players to watch: Kevin Friesenbichler assisted RFS’ goal in the reverse H2H and was on the scoresheet against Hearts, though only one of his last five goals arrived in victory (D2, L2). Meanwhile, Fiorentina have won on four of Luka Jović’s five goal scoring appearances (L1) and the Serbian attacker has netted in three consecutive UECL outings.
Hot stat: There’s been at least one goal scored inside the opening 15 minutes in six of Fiorentina’s last seven matches.