The UEFA Conference League may draw less spotlight than its bigger siblings, but it’s ripe with betting value. Seven clubs boast perfect records, while six remain pointless after the first round. The TipsGG expert team highlights the most intriguing Thursday matches and top bets for October 23.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Legia Warsaw
Shakhtar showed grit, rallying for a 3:2 win over Aberdeen in the Conference League’s first round under Arda Turan. But a 1:4 thrashing by LNZ in the Ukrainian Premier League exposed inconsistencies. With just one point from their last two domestic matches and a tendency to score one or fewer goals in seven of their last 10 games across all competitions, attacking woes persist. A kind post-Legia schedule makes points here crucial.
Legia, led by Edward Iordănescu, started hot—seven unbeaten, including a 2:1 Polish Super Cup win over Lech. But form has dipped, with three straight losses, including a 0:1 home defeat to Samsunspor in the opener. Defense is their Achilles’ heel, yet they’re potent away, scoring in all 15 of their last European road games.
Only three of Legia’s 11 matches (including the Super Cup) saw a team fail to score. Shakhtar’s open style invites opponent chances.
Bet: Shakhtar Double Chance (1X) + Both Teams to Score – Yes with odds of 2.09
Evenly matched teams promise attacking, entertaining football.
Bet: Shakhtar Total Shots Over 14.5 with odds of 1.7
Shkëndija vs Shelbourne
North Macedonia’s champions, Shkëndija, began in Champions League qualifying but landed in the Conference League. They fought hard, losing just once at home in four qualifiers—to Qarabag (0:1), now a Champions League sensation.
Shelbourne, also relegated from Champions League qualifying, are on a five-match unbeaten run. Their Conference League campaign started with a 0:3 loss to Qarabag.
Both faced Qarabag—Shkëndija lost narrowly at home via a penalty, while Shelbourne were thrashed. The Macedonians look stronger at home (technically) and deserve favorite status.
Bet: Shkëndija to Win with odds of 2.40
Alternative Bet: Shkëndija Handicap (0) with odds of 1.70
AEK Athens vs Aberdeen
AEK Athens stormed through Conference League qualifying, unbeating Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Aris, and Anderlecht. A 13-match unbeaten streak from the season’s start ended with losses to Celje (1:3) and PAOK (0:2). A looming domestic clash with Olympiakos adds pressure.
Aberdeen’s season started poorly—one win (against Morton in the League Cup) until October. A 2:3 loss to Shakhtar showed fight, followed by back-to-back domestic wins.
Aberdeen’s recent wins boost confidence, but AEK’s organization and experience should dominate. Still, a distracted AEK may allow Aberdeen to avoid embarrassment.
Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes with odds of 1.96
AZ Alkmaar vs Slovan Bratislava
Despite a 0:4 thrashing by AEK Larnaca in the Conference League opener, AZ Alkmaar are solid in the Eredivisie—third with five wins, three draws, and one loss in nine. At home, they’re unbeaten in seven, though conceding in most (two clean sheets).
Slovan Bratislava, dropping from Champions League and Europa League qualifying (losses to Kairat and Young Boys), fell 1:2 to Strasbourg in round one.
AZ’s motivation to rebound from Cyprus, tempered by an upcoming Utrecht clash, meets Slovan’s European experience. Expect an open game with goals both ways.
Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes with odds of 1.80
Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca
Crystal Palace’s historic European debut continues with their first home main-stage game. Their squad outclasses most Conference League sides, losing just once this season (a stoppage-time goal). They score efficiently—three goals in three European games.
AEK Larnaca, in fine form, smashed AZ Alkmaar 4:0. Their European experience could keep them competitive in London, but Palace’s depth should prevail.
AEK won’t collapse, but Palace take the win in a scoring affair.
Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes with odds of 2.32
Samsunspor vs Dynamo Kyiv
Samsunspor are thriving, showing confidence in Turkey’s Süper Lig with just one loss and a fight for European spots. Their upset win over Legia (1:0) proves their mettle, despite limited international experience.
Dynamo Kyiv, a storied club, look lackluster. Internal strife, Oleksandr Shovkovskyi’s draw-heavy streak, and chronic European struggles spell trouble for their Turkey trip.
Samsunspor’s form and squad quality outshine Dynamo’s chaos—no upset expected.
Bet: Samsunspor Individual Total Goals Over 1.5 with odds of 2.06