Fiorentina vs The New Saints: Conference League Match Preview
Last year's Conference League finalist Fiorentina will host the modest New Saints in the opening match of the new tournament. In their last five matches across all competitions, Fiorentina has won just once. Will they be able to dominate their lower-ranked opponent today? Check out our prediction and find the best betting options.
Match announcement
Fiorentina
Current Form
Fiorentina faced a tough challenge in the decisive qualifying round of the Conference League, overcoming Puskas Academy only through a penalty shootout. Their start in Serie A has been lackluster as well, collecting just seven points over six matches, placing them at a modest 11th position. In their latest outing, head coach Raffaele Palladino's squad failed to breach Empoli's defense, resulting in a goalless draw.
Disciplinary Issues and Injuries
The only player on the injury list is Pongracic.
Interesting Betting Trends
- Fiorentina has not won a first half in their last five matches
- In their previous eight games, Fiorentina players have committed fewer fouls than their opponents
Projected Line-up: Terracciano – Kaio, Martinez, Ranieri, Parisi – Mandragora, Adli – Ikone, Gudmundsson, Sottil – Beltran.
TNS
Current Form
The New Saints are set to make their debut in the main round of a European tournament, marking a significant achievement for this modest club. In some respects, coach Craig Harrison's side was fortunate, as they faced a relatively easier opponent, Lithuanian side Panevezys, in the crucial qualification round. In the Welsh Premier League, New Saints have played only seven matches and currently sit in fifth place, yet all their competitors have played more games. In their last match, they secured a dominating away victory with a scoreline of 6-1 against Newtown.
Injuries and Suspensions
Astell, McGehie, Olusunde, and Baker will miss today's game due to injuries.
Interesting Betting Trends
- In the last three matches, both teams have exchanged goals.
- In their last five encounters, New Saints have not lost in the first half.
Projected Lineup: Roberts – Daniels, Davis, Bodenham, Redmond – Holden, Daniel Williams, Smith – Jordan Williams, Otte, Bradley.
Trends
Bet 1st Half: Total Over 1.5 Goals
In the last three matches, the visitors scored more than one goal in the first 45 minutes
1.74Bet Goals in Both Halves - Yes
This bet has been successful in four out of the last five matches for the visitors
1.40Bet Exact Score 3:0
The last defeat for New Saints came after conceding three goals
5.50Tip and bets
There is a significant gap in class between the rivals, making any talk of a sensational victory for the guests unlikely. Fiorentina is currently far from its peak form, having just managed to overcome the resistance of Akademia Puskasa in the qualifiers. Additionally, the Viola will likely be missing key players today as they focus on improving their performance in Serie A. We don’t expect the home team to win by a margin of more than three goals.
Our prediction is for New Saints with an Asian handicap (+3.5) at odds of 1.72
Betting on Totals
It's clear that the visitors will play a defensive game, so an open and vibrant display of football is unlikely. Fiorentina will find it difficult to overcome the total set by the bookmakers for this match.
The second bet is on fewer than four total goals with odds of 1.86
Betting on Corners
There's no doubt that Fiorentina will spend most of the match near the opponent's goal. In this scenario, the Viola should dominate in corner kicks.
Prediction: Fiorentina to win the corner count with a handicap of (-5.5) at odds of 1.52