Conference League Predictions - 22 October, Matchday 2

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 48 minutes ago

Simon Lewis 48 minutes ago

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Atalanta fancied to extend Ajax’s European frustrations.
Monaco and Freiburg backed to deliver goals at both ends.
Twente to win without conceding against Lincoln Red Imps.
In-form Gent tipped to avoid defeat at Braga.

FC Twente have won five of their last seven matches (Getty Images).

Conference League Predictions - Thursday, 22 October

Conference League Predictions - Thursday, 22 October
Ajax vs Atalanta
Monaco vs Freiburg
Lincoln Red Imps vs Twente
Braga vs Gent

Ajax vs Atalanta

Ajax are under early pressure after opening their Conference League campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Hajduk Split. The Dutch giants had also drawn 1-1 with NEC Nijmegen and 2-2 with Excelsior in their previous two listed league games, although they have scored freely in other domestic fixtures. They thumped Groningen 5-2 away in their last league outing.

Atalanta made a far better European start by beating Pafos 3-1 and also defeated Venezia 3-1 in Serie A, with their last match ending in a 3-2 defeat away to AC Milan. They have lost three of their last five in all competitions but consecutive 3-1 victories ahead of their loss to AC Milan should have given them some confidence ahead of a difficult visit from the Amsterdam giants.

Ajax's home advantage demands respect yet Atalanta's attacking form is worth backing at the generous odds on offer.

Monaco vs Freiburg

Monaco launched their Conference League campaign with a 2-1 win at CSKA Sofia but their momentum suffered a setback on Sunday when Lorient beat them 1-0 in Ligue 1. Freiburg also opened their European campaign with a victory by edging Jablonec 3-2 in a lively contest.

The Germans should arrive with confidence and enough attacking quality to test a Monaco side that has already conceded in Europe. The hosts will back their forwards to respond at Stade Louis II. Rather than force a narrow result prediction, both teams scoring in a match featuring at least three goals looks attractive.

Lincoln Red Imps vs Twente

Lincoln Red Imps were competitive in their Conference League opener but lost 2-1 at Brann. The Gibraltar champions have recorded comfortable domestic victories that include a 2-0 win over Europa and a 4-0 triumph against Europa Point, but Twente will present a far stiffer challenge.

The Dutch visitors beat Thun 1-0 on Matchday 1 and have lost just one of their last seven matches, with five wins. That run includes a 3-2 victory over PSV and clean-sheet league wins over Den Haag and Telstar.

Twente's greater depth and discipline suggest an away victory, with the win-to-nil market offering a worthwhile alternative to their very short win odds.

Braga vs Gent

Braga need a strong home response after Copenhagen handed them a 3-0 defeat in their Conference League opener in a poor run of form that has seen them lose their last three matches. The Portuguese side remain favourites for Thursday's meeting but Gent are travelling in much better form.

The Belgians beat Aarhus 1-0 on Matchday 1 after league victories over Zulte Waregem and Standard Liege. They have also drawn at Genk and won at Cercle Brugge over the last month, remaining unbeaten across that stretch until losing on penalties on the weekend to Union Rochefortoise in the Belgian Cup.

Braga's home advantage may help them regain some stability but Gent have the defensive resilience and recent results to avoid defeat. A win for the visitors or a draw offers attractive value.

Verdict

UEFA Conference League

I am backing a win for Atalanta, Twente to win with a clean sheet, Gent for the double chance while the Monaco-Freiburg clash is backed with both teams to score and with over 2.5 match goals.

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Simon is a talented sports writer in South Africa with a strong focus on cricket having played first-team level for UCT, including playing at two Universities Weeks.

From a young age Simon was an avid reader of cricket magazines and books, and went on to be Editor of The Googly, CricketScene SA and SA Cricket, in addition to being a Features Writer on SA Sports Illustrated.

He has interviewed most of South Africa's premier cricketers and was the first writer to interview a teenaged Jacques Kallis.

Simon has also written about English and local football, rugby and cricket, in addition to major international tennis and golf stars and competitions.

You can follow more from Simon at Muckrack, X and LinkedIn.