Conference League qualifying predictions: Valur the value to end Saints' campaign

Steve Davies
Spotlight
Arnar Gretarsson's Valur may have disappointed in the first leg but can make amends on Thursday
Arnar Gretarsson's Valur may have disappointed in the first leg but can make amends on Thursday

- There are 37 ties in the Conference League second qualifying round on Thursday
- Recommended bets:
-
Valur Reykjavik to go through
-
Paksi SE draw no bet

St Mirren and Caernarfon Town are among a whole host of clubs battling it out across Europe on Thursday for a place in the third qualifying round of the Conference League.

The latest Conference League odds are available on LiveScore Bet

St Mirren vs Valur Reykjavik (Thursday, 7.45pm)

The stats

The 0-0 draw in the first leg between these sides was the only time in the last 19 matches that Valur have failed to find the net.

In the previous round Valur drew their home leg with Vllaznia 2-2 and went on to win 4-0 away.

Stephen Robinson's St Mirren, back in Europe after a 37-year absence, have won only one of their last 10 matches.

Prediction

There was not a great deal between St Mirren and Valur in last week's first leg in the Icelandic capital which ended 0-0, and it promises to be tight again in Paisley with the visitors taken to go through.

There was understandable rust in the Buddies' legs as they carved out their share of chances but took none in Reykjavik.

But they also looked error-prone at the back with Valur presented with plenty of openings and Saints had keeper Ellery Balcombe to thank on many an occasion.

AEK Larnaca vs Paksi SE (Thursday, 5pm)

The stats

Gyorgy Bognar's Paksi SE can complete the job in Thursday's second leg against AEK Larnaca
Gyorgy Bognar's Paksi SE can complete the job in Thursday's second leg against AEK Larnaca

Rising Hungarian force Paksi have been turfed out of the Europa League after a 4-2 aggregate loss to Corvinul of Romania.

But the Hungarian Cup winners and league runners-up have one foot in the third qualifying round following a 3-0 win over Larnaca at home.

Larnaca have not won a single match in pre-season after finishing second in the Cypriot top division last time.

Prediction

Paksi are ahead of Larnaca in terms of preparation for the 2024-25 season having kicked off their Hungarian top-flight campaign at the weekend with a 1-1 draw at Diosgyor. Larnaca's domestic season does not start for another three weeks.

And Gyorgy Bognar's men certainly looked the sharper in the first leg, recording a comprehensive 3-0 win.

Good enough to win the Hungarian Cup for the first time and finish second in their league, Paksi are an improving force who can see the job out.

Tags

St. MirrenValurAEK LarnacaPaksi SEConference League Qualification