PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv vs FC Copenhagen Prediction & Betting Tips - Conference League

Prediction published on 03/08/2021, 16:18  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 03/08/2021 at 17:18 in Conference League Prediction

Lokomotiv Plovdiv are the underdogs as they host Copenhagen in the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League. The winners of this tie take on either Dinamo Batumi or Sivasspor in the play-off round. Plovdiv have made a poor start to the new Bulgarian First League with both of their opening matches being lost, the most recent being a 1-0 loss at Lokomotiv Sofia. They didn't have an easy time of it in the second qualifying round against Slovacko from the Czech Republic. It took an 89th minute goal to get them a 1-0 win in the home first leg. They lost the second leg 1-0 but won through after a penalty shoot-out. Plovdiv have never made it to the group stages in Europe and last year lost in the Europa League second qualifying round to Tottenham. Only two of their last seven home games in European competition have been won.

Copenhagen are third in the Danish Superliga after three matches of the new season. They drew their first two league matches but got off the mark in their third with a 2-0 win at OB, their second consecutive clean sheet. Copenhagen had few problems in their second qualifying round tie in this competition. They scored four goals in 22 minutes as they won their home first leg against Torpedo BelAZ 4-1. It was even better in the away second leg as they won that one 5-0 to win 9-1 on aggregate. Two seasons ago they reached the quarter finals of the Europa League, losing to Manchester United in extra time. Only one of their last seven away games in European competition has been lost. They look too strong for Plovdiv and can get an away win here.