Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes take on Konyaspor in the Europa League next week, with an entertaining encounter predicted, despite both sides being rank outsiders to make it through to the knockout phase of the competition. Both sides have just one win apiece to their names in Group I so far this season, with neither having found their top form in the competition to date.
Europa League – Estádio D. Afonso Henriques, Guimaraes – Thursday 7th December – 20:05 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 12/5 at Unibet |
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Vitoria Guimaraes
KonyasporMatch Preview
Vitoria de Guimaraes host Turkish side Konyaspor at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques next week, with the Europa League Group I strugglers hoping for the three points that could potentially provide an unlikely route to the next stage of the competition. The Turkish club won the meeting between the duo earlier on in the campaign, meaning that Vitoria will be out for revenge when they welcome Konyaspor to their home ground next week. For those still unsure of who to back, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Vitoria de Guimaraes Team News & Form
Vitoria de Guimaraes defeated Rio Ave away from home on Monday evening in the Portuguese top-flight, a result which leaves them seventh in the standings. However, a 3-0 defeat in Austria against Salzburg last week in the Europa League demonstrates where they have struggled in the campaign to date, with the home side having scored just four goals from their five matches. Manager Pedro Martins is likely to name a strong starting line-up next week, with the likes of Raphinha, Heldon and Rafael Martins among their biggest attacking threats.
Konyaspor Team News & Form
Konyaspor suffered a narrow defeat against Kasimpasa over the weekend in Turkey, a result that leaves them 15th in the Super Lig standings, with manager Mehmet Özdilek under increasing pressure to start delivering results. A late own goal meant that Konyaspor had to settle for a draw against Marseille last week in Group I, with the Turkish outfit not having to win in Portugal in order to have any chance of qualifying. Captain Ali Camdali is perhaps their most creative player, while striker Moryké Fofana could lead the line for the visiting team.
Head to Head
Konyaspor’s 2-1 win over Vitoria de Guimaraes in the Turkey earlier on in the season was the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, meaning that few conclusions can be made surrounding their head-to-head record.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite being behind their opponents in the Group I standings, their status as the home team next week means that it is Vitoria who are the favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. Those looking to back the home side for the win for can take advantage of odds of 11/8 from Ladbrokes, while Konyaspor are priced at 21/10 with Ladbrokes.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on the ‘Guimaraes or Draw’ market that can be found at Ladbrokes, which is available at a price of 2/5 ahead of kick-off.