The UEFA Conference League group stage kicks off this week, and already, we have some mouthwatering clashes to look forward to. One of which features the Italian side, Fiorentina, hosting Welsh champions, The New Saints (TNS) on October 3rd.
Let's dive into the key factors and predictions for this encounter.
How the bookies view it: Fiorentina heavily favoured
The bookmakers clearly expect Fiorentina to secure a comfortable victory at home. Based on the latest odds, Betano has them priced at 1/12, which is quite an overwhelming indicator of the difference in abilities here. As for TNS, they are massive underdogs at 25/1.
This tells you all you need to know about the most likely result of Fiorentina vs TNS.
Head-to-head: A blank slate between the two sides
This match marks the first-ever encounter between Serie A side Fiorentina and TNS. That said, there is a bit of history unfolding before our very eyes here. We say that because TNS is now officially the first Welsh club to make it to the group stages of a European competition. This is quite an achievement in itself, and it’s one they can be proud of.
Fiorentina, on the other hand, are seasoned European campaigners, having reached the UEFA Conference League final in the past two seasons.
Players to watch: Guðmundsson and Kean
Fiorentina boasts a few dangerous players who could run riot against TNS if the Welsh team can’t tighten things up at the back. Specifically, Guðmundsson and Kean remain the key threats based on their domestic performances so far this season. Both guys have two goals to their names, and Guðmundsson is averaging a goal every 58 minutes!
Perhaps that’s why the odds for him to score anytime are 4/6 right now. Then again, the odds for Kean to score are even shorter at 8/13 – both prices supplied by Betano.
Predicted lineups
Fiorentina has the better roll of the dice here, with just one sidelined player from the regular bunch (Marin Pongračić). As for TNS, they’ve got far more concerns with Astles, Baker, Olosunde, and McGahey all doubtful.
Fiorentina possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Dodô, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Biraghi; Cataldi, Bove; Kouamé, Guðmundsson, Colpani; Kean
TNS possible starting lineup:
Roberts; Davies, Daniels, Bradley, Bodenham; Redmond, Smith, D. Williams; Holden, J. Williams, Oteh
Anything else catch the eye?
Fiorentina are expected to dominate possession and create numerous chances against TNS. We know this since Betano has priced the over 2.5 goals market at just 3/10 – an incredibly low price for most UEFA Conference League games. In fact, the bookies estimate Fiorentina could score around 3.4 goals themselves.
However, given Fiorentina's defensive record (conceding in 75% of their matches in all competitions this season), TNS could find the back of the net too. To give even more weight to this possibility, TNS have scored at least 1 goal in 7 of their last 8 games (all competitions).
This creates a BTTS scenario here, which is priced at 6/4 at Betano – not a bad shout at all.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Fiorentina and TNS will be played on Oct 3, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Fiorentina vs TNS prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
