Reigning Croatian champions HNK Rijeka host Austria Wien in the Europa League next week, with the visitors searching for their first three points of their European campaign so far. However, with their opponents still in with a chance of qualifying for the next stage of the competition, it could be a long evening’s work for the visitors.
Champions League – Stadion HNK Rijeka, Rijeka – Thursday 2nd November – 19:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 3 at Ladbrokes |
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HNK Rijeka
Austria WienaMatch Preview
With Rijeka having won comfortably in Austria just last week, they are the undoubted favourites to repeat the trick in front of their home supporters this time around. Manager Matjaž Kek will be hoping for another strong performance from his side, while the visitors will be hoping to improve upon their dismal defensive record in the competition so far, having conceded ten goals in their three matches to date. Despite this not being one of Europe’s heavyweight contests, there is still likely to be plenty of value when it comes to betting markets. For those looking to take advantage, let’s take a closer look at the two teams.
HNK Rijeka Team News & Form
Having won the Croatian title last season ahead of rivals Zagreb, Rijeka have started the new campaign fairly well too, currently sitting in second place in the standings domestically. However, they suffered a surprise home defeat to Osijek at the weekend, meaning that they are not heading into their tie next week in the best of form. Swiss striker Mario Gavranović scored twice against the Austrian’s last week, with the former Schalke man set to continue in attack for the home side, supported by the likes of Zoran Kvržić and Brazilian Heber.
Austria Wien Team News & Form
Austria Wien’s poor run of form continued with a 1-0 defeat at home to rivals Rapid Wien over the weekend, with the defeat leaving them ten points behind league leaders Sturm Graz. Former Bayern Munich midfielder Thorsten Fink is currently in charge of the Austrian side, with a distinct lack of quality throughout their line-up certainly effecting results. On-loan Hoffenheim striker Felipe Pires is enjoying his second spell at the club, with the attacker undoubtedly being one of Wien’s most creative players on his day. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Patrick Pentz may well be in for a busy evening, with the Austrian youth international having conceded five goals in his last two European outings.
Head to Head
Before last week’s clash in Austria, the two teams had never previously met in a competitive fixture. With the Croatian outfit winning comfortably away from home, it is difficult to see anything other than another three points for Rijeka in front of their home support next week.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given the result in Austria last week, it perhaps doesn’t come as a surprise that Rijeka are the firm favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers, despite Austria Wien’s good history in the competition. The home side can be backed for the win at odds of 9/20 with Ladbrokes, while the same bookmaker has the visitors as the slight favourites with odds of 7/1. With a home victory unlikely to bring about any substantial winnings, it is worth shopping around when placing a bet on this match.
Top Betting Tip
Our top betting tip for the match is to bet on Rijeka to keep a clean sheet, which is available at odds of 6/5 with Ladbrokes.