While the Champions League and Europa League finished their 2025 campaigns yesterday and today, the third-tier European cup still has two more matchdays before Christmas. The hottest fight is in full swing. The TipsGG team has prepared the most interesting bets for the fifth-round Conference League matches on Thursday, December 11.
Shkëndija vs Slovan Bratislava
In Skopje, Shkëndija, who sit 25th with four points, will host Slovan — a team that earned their first League Phase victory only in the last round.
All of Shkëndija’s points were earned at their (albeit formal) home arena. In 13 matches in front of their fans, the team lost only twice — and both defeats were minimal. The red-and-blacks fell only to Qarabag, who are pleasantly surprising Europe, and the North Macedonian league leader Vardar.
Slovan, meanwhile, show frankly weak away play, at least in Europe. Losses to Kairat and Young Boys in Champions League and Europa League qualifying respectively were continued by two failures in the Conference League — to KuPS and AZ Alkmaar. Perhaps the win over Rayo Vallecano in the last round will give the Slovaks momentum, but so far it looks more like an exception than a trend.
A team with a clearly pronounced “home” profile against an opponent that loses almost all European away games. In this situation, a minimal Shkëndija win or a draw looks logical.
Bet: Shkëndija Win by 1 Goal or Draw (odds 2.01)
Rijeka vs Celje
The Croatian side approach the match with a seven-game unbeaten streak. If we look at the Whites’ European path that started in Champions League qualifying, we have 2 wins, 2 draws and one rather unexpected defeat to Shelbourne (1:2).
In the last round, Celje suffered their first defeat in the current Conference League edition — not entirely deserved, but still losing 2:1 to Sigma Olomouc. Despite this, the Counts remain in the top eight teams of the tournament. However, another similar result and the situation can change dramatically, as a whole group of rivals below are pressing with minimal gaps.
Rijeka earned most of their points at home. At the same time, Celje can hardly be called a weak away team — 4 wins and 2 defeats since Europa League qualifying is more than respectable. I don’t think the Counts will lose away for the second time in a row, but I’m not confident in their victory either. Therefore, the guests not losing combined with under looks optimal.
Bet: Celje Double Chance (X2) + Total Under 4.5 (odds 1.95)
Drita vs AZ Alkmaar
In Pristina, Drita, who close the top-8, will host AZ Alkmaar, who are yet to win away in the Conference League.
Only six teams remain unbeaten after four rounds — and Drita are among them: 2 wins and 2 draws. Having started the season in Champions League qualifying, the white-and-blues later found themselves in the Conference League but looked worthy even against experienced Copenhagen and Steaua. It is quite possible that without red cards in matches against the aforementioned opponents, the results would have been even better. In any case, Drita fight everyone at home.
AZ remain one of the 11 teams to lose all away Conference League matches. Moreover, the Alkmaar side conceded 7 goals in two away games. Overall away this season: 7 wins, 1 draw and 6 defeats, most wins minimal — only three times AZ won by two goals.
Drita are an extremely combative team, and even AZ’s favorite status does not guarantee an easy life. I don’t expect a confident guest victory, so the optimal bet looks like their non-loss combined with a low total, which was recorded in all of Drita’s matches at this stage.
Bet: AZ Alkmaar Double Chance (X2) + Total Under 3.5 (odds 1.65)