On October 2, 2025, the UEFA Europa Conference League continues with another round of league phase matches, as clubs across Europe compete for valuable points in the new 36-team format.
The evening begins at 18:45, where Dyn. Kyiv host Crystal Palace, Lech Poznan meet SK Rapid, and Omonia face Mainz.
Later, at 21:00, the action spreads across the continent. Aberdeen take on Shakhtar Donetsk, AEK Larnaca play against AZ Alkmaar, and Fiorentina welcome Sigma Olomouc in Florence. At the same time, Shelbourne clash with Hacken, Slovan Bratislava battle Strasbourg, and Sparta Prague meet Shamrock Rovers.
With the expanded format, every game carries weight, and each point could prove decisive for teams hoping to advance deep into the competition.
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Dyn. Kyiv vs Crystal Palace
Dyn. Kyiv enters the group stage with a strong home performance in the qualifiers. The team has experience in Europe and is always a tough opponent that rivals do not underestimate. Their attack is effective, but the defense has made mistakes in recent matches. This will be the key challenge against the Premier League team.
In the qualifiers, they started in the Champions League where they were outplayed by Pafos, and then in the UEL, they were defeated by Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Crystal Palace played to a goalless draw against Fredrikstad 0–0 in the qualifiers, and with the advantage from the first match, they secured a spot in the group stage. The English team has individual talent and physical strength, but they often struggle with scoring on away games.
In the Premier League, after 6 matches, they remain unbeaten with 3 wins and 3 draws, and in their last match, they defeated Liverpool at home.
We give the edge in this match to Crystal Palace, who are in great form in the Premier League and have a higher individual skill level.
2 (Crystal Palace to Win)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Lech Poznan vs SK Rapid
Lech Poznan is a team known for having a huge support from their fans at home. They have a strong offense that often scores in Europe, which is backed up by the fact that they have scored 17 goals after playing 9 matches in the league, but they also have some weaknesses in defense, having conceded 16 goals.
In the qualifiers, they were stable and showed maturity, even though they sometimes lose focus in the final moments. In the UCL qualifying cycle, they were defeated by Crvena zvezda, and then by Genk in the UEL.
SK Rapid celebrated a victory against Hungarian Gyor in the qualifiers, signaling that they could be a dangerous opponent. The Austrian team combines a solid defense with quick counterattacks, which worked well in the previous phase. In the league, they are in excellent form and are currently in first place with only one loss after 8 matches, which includes 5 wins and 2 draws.
This is a duel between two teams of similar levels, with the Poles relying more on their home field advantage, which can be crucial in such matches, while the Austrians depend on discipline and will try to score from set pieces.
1 (Lech Poznan to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Omonia vs Mainz
Omonia surprised everyone in the qualifiers by eliminating Wolfsberger AC in the final. The team showed strong defense and effectiveness up front with Semedo and Erakovic, while goalkeeper Fabiano Freitas shone in goal. With two clean sheets and three goals scored, the Cypriots have a great psychological advantage.
In the league, they are performing well, having conceded only two goals after five matches, while scoring 15.
Mainz played convincingly against Rosenborg and won with an overall score of 5:3. The German team dominated the entire match and showcased their strength in offense. The goal difference and the dynamics in the midfield highlighted the quality gap between the Bundesliga and the Norwegian league. On the bench is the experienced Bo Henriksen, and the midfield and attack are functioning excellently.
We expect Omonia to start defensively and wait for their chance on the counter, while Mainz will control the midfield and demonstrate the power of the Bundesliga.
2 (Mainz to Win)
Predicted CS: 0:2
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Aberdeen vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Aberdeen enters the group stage as a team with a strong home presence, but their performance in Europe can be inconsistent. The Scots traditionally rely on physical play, a fighting midfield, and support from their fans. However, they struggle with scoring and haven’t found the net in their last 6 consecutive matches. In the final qualifying round of the UEL, they were completely outplayed by the Romanian team FCSB.
Shakhtar Donetsk eliminated Servette after extra time, but they were previously defeated by Panathinaikos in the UEL. The Ukrainians have a young squad with fast wingers and technical discipline, but they also tend to make defensive mistakes. They dominate at home and have not lost in the regular course of a match for 14 games, including all competitions.
It will be crucial for the host to control the game, but considering they haven’t scored in their last 6 matches, we give the advantage in this match to the visiting team.
2 (Shakhtar to Win)
Predicted CS: 0:2
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AEK Larnaca vs AZ Alkmaar
AEK Larnaca is a team with European experience, but they come into this group as the underdog. Their strongest point is their solid midfield and disciplined defense, especially when playing at home. However, their attacking side can struggle against stronger opponents. They started their qualifications in the UEFA Europa League, defeating three teams: Partizan, Celje, and Legia, but lost to Brann in the final.
AZ Alkmaar crushed Levski Sofia with an overall score of 6:1 in the qualifications, proving their offensive strength. The Dutch team plays at a high tempo, with many offensive rotations and aggressive pressing. They enter the group stage of this competition as one of the favorites for first place. Recently, they have seen a slight drop in form in the league and haven’t won in their last three matches.
We expect a match where the guests will dominate due to their fast-paced style of play and the quality of their players. AEK will try to defend and wait for a mistake. We anticipate a game with at least three goals.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 1:3
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Fiorentina vs Sigma Olomouc
Fiorentina secured a spot in the group stage by defeating the Ukrainian club Polissya Zhytomyr with an overall score of 6–2. The team displayed offensive strength but also had some weaknesses in defense, conceding two goals at home and allowing the opponent to create chances. The attackers performed well, and the creative midfield remains their main advantage.
In the league, they are struggling and still haven’t won after playing 5 matches, with 3 draws and 2 losses.
Sigma Olomouc started their qualifying cycle in the UEL and were completely outplayed in both matches against Malmo FF, losing with a total score of 5:0. The Czech team has certain gaps in their defensive line and will need to fix that if they want to earn points in their away game in Italy. They are playing in inconsistent form in the league and are far below their level from last season.
Fiorentina will take the initiative and play offensively from the first minute. Sigma Olomouc will rely on organized defense and quick counterattacks.
1 (Fiorentina to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Shelbourne vs Hacken
After being outplayed by Rijeka in the UEL, Shelbourne bounced back by eliminating Linfield in the UECL final, winning both matches with an aggregate score of 5-1. The Irish team displayed excellent defensive organization and was effective in attack, creating few chances. With this style, a solid defense, and quick counterattacks, they entered the group stage with confidence.
In the league, they have been inconsistent and don’t seem as convincing as last season.
On the other hand, Hacken defeated CFR Cluj in the qualifying final with a total score of 7-3. They started in the UEL but were beaten by Norwegian team Brann. In the league, they have shown variable form, often scoring more goals but also conceding, with their matches averaging 3.4 goals each. Their issue is that they frequently play offensively, leaving a lot of space for their opponents.
Shelbourne will try to play carefully and exploit the gaps in Hacken’s defense, but given the guest team’s playing style, we expect a match with at least 3 goals.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 2:2
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Slovan Bratislava vs Strasbourg
Slovan Bratislava is a team with European experience, but they didn’t make a strong impression in the qualifiers. They started in the Champions League where they were defeated by Kairat Almaty, and then by Young Boys in the UEL.
However, playing at home always gives them an advantage, especially with the support from their fans. A key issue is their inconsistent defense, as they often concede goals at crucial moments. They are again the main contenders for the title in their domestic league and remain unbeaten after 8 matches, with 5 wins and 3 draws.
Strasbourg played an exciting match against Brondby and celebrated a 2-3 victory away. The French team showed that they have offensive power and the ability to win tight duels. Their attack looks very lively, and the psychological boost from their away win in Denmark before the group stage is a huge plus. In Ligue 1, they have 4 wins and 2 losses after 6 matches played.
Slovan will want to take advantage of the home atmosphere, while Strasbourg will attack with pace and offensive rotations. The discipline of the French team in transition could be crucial.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Sparta Prague vs Shamrock Rovers
Sparta Prague is a skilled European team with a strong home offense. The Czech club regularly creates many chances and will enter as the favorite against the Irish representative. The crowd and home field are their biggest advantages. They hold the top position in the league, with just one point more than second-placed Slavia Prague. They have an excellent attack, scoring 25 goals in 10 matches.
Shamrock Rovers managed to outplay the Portuguese team Santa Clara in the qualifiers with an overall score of 2–1. This showed that they have a solid defense, but also significant issues in their attack. The team is very defensively oriented and will try to delay pressure for as long as possible. They dominate the league and already have a 12-point lead over second-placed Derry City.
Considering the difference in quality, Sparta Prague will take control right from the start. The Irish will play defensively, but they will struggle to hold out in the long run.
1 (Sparta Prague to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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Kindly be advised that all odds are accurate as of the publication date and time indicated, and they may be subject to alterations.
