UEFA Europa Conference League Qualifying Stage Final Round Leg 1 Tips and Predictions

Summary

There is nothing quite more special than a final tie to qualify into a new season of European competition.

The Conference league has provided many outlets for different teams within the region who would not have the ability to, otherwise.

The first inaugural season last year was an incredible success and fans would love to see the improvements that happen year by year to this tournament.

Champions will get the opportunity to be automatically promoted into the Europa league and those who do well in the competition can remain and make further efforts to improve their squads.

The teams that are currently left in the final round of qualifying are mostly big names within their domestic leagues so the level of play will be at its highest it has been throughout the rounds so far.

So much has been made about how this competition would be viewed down the road but so far, we have been delivered with great matches!

Matchday Previews and Analysis

Villarreal (Spain) versus HNK Hajduk Split (Croatia) - Leg #1 - August 18, 2022

Villarreal are sadly relegated to the Europa Conference League after a great season in the Champions league last time around.

They are put in this position after losing in the round of sixteen to Liverpool and then losing their Europa League qualification spot in the domestic league.

Things aren’t all to worry about, however, as they have a great shot to win this tournament this season.

Retaining nearly all their better players, Villarreal should be favorites to make it far because of the talent disparity.

The men from Spain know how to play some of the bigger clubs in all of Europe and that was showcased when they beat Manchester United in the Europa League final.

HNK Hajduk Split faces a superior opponent and a tough task ahead servicing their hopes for intercontinental competition to halt.

To get into this tie even remotely, they need to be playing with intense desperation throughout the matches.

Leg one at Spain will be the toughest and without a doubt the yellow submarine will be all game for the occasion.

Limiting the damage and making sure things don’t get out of hand will be key in this first leg for the men from Croatia and there’s never such a thing as an “impossibility” in football.

Prediction - Villarreal to win by -2 goals or more while also covering the Asian and team totals.

West Ham (England) versus Viborg FF (Denmark) - Leg #1 - August 18, 2022

West Ham will be clear favorites like Villarreal in their conquest for a European title this year.

After falling just short in the Europa League last year, the London hammers have what it takes to deliver it this year.

A squad that is a strong force within the Premier League, there is definite hype surrounding the Hammer’s European run this year and for great reason.

A final qualification match versus Viborg will do wonders for their confidence if they go out there and do as they are expected.

Viborg does not have much of a shot in this although they have been playing admirably in all stages of the tournament thus far.

The Danes must keep the press up at all times against a crafty team such as West Ham.

Because if not, there will be a ton of casualties on the field this Thursday.

Prediction - West Ham to win on the money line while also keeping a clean sheet and the under on goals!