Conference League: Larnaca vs Aberdeen, AEK vs Shamrock, and Crystal Palace vs Alkmaar Headline Round 3
by Geoffrey Ejiga | by Geoffrey Ejiga
AEK Larnaca vs Aberdeen
AEK Larnaca and Aberdeen enter with entirely different momentum but share the same goal of winning all three points. The home side has been perfect, with two wins in two games and 0 goals conceded to earn the 2nd spot. In contrast, Aberdeen sits in last place, after losing back-to-back games and conceding the most goals (9).
Expect to see a fierce fixture as AEK Larnaca looks to secure its knockout spot, while Aberdeen fights hard to keep the European dream alive. Check out our expert's best Larnaca vs Aberdeen prediction for more insights into the outcome.
Aberdeen needs to drastically improve on the tournament performances that have seen them lose 3-2 to Shakhtar Donetsk on opening day before their 6-0 thrashing at the hands of AEK Athens in the following matchday. Larnaca, meanwhile, will likely stick to the same script that kept them back-to-back clean sheets against AZ Alkmaar (4-0) and Crystal Palace (1-0).
AEK Athens vs Shamrock Rovers
Still in early kick off, AEK Athens will be eyeing the top-8 (direct playoffs) zone when they face Shamrock Rovers, who have been abysmal so far. While Athens took a hard-fought loss on opening day to Celje away from home, the Greek side quickly bounced back with a 6-0 victory over Aberdeen in Round 2.
In contrast, Shamrock Rovers have lost their opening two games, falling 4-1 to Sparta Praha and then 2-0 to Celje in the last round. What's most likely is that the home team comes out on top, but how they do so is what really matters for anyone looking into the best AEK Athens vs Shamrock Rovers prediction.
Even outside the Conference League, Shamrock are in terrible form, having lost five of their last six games. Against an AEK side that's won ten of its last 11 competitive home games, it seems this game is already decided.
Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar
This is the game that'll definitely get the most views, as English fans and casuals looking for an exciting contest will be tuning in to see if Crystal Palace can beat AZ Alkmaar or take another shock loss.
Before the last round, we'd have written this off as a not-so-easy win for Palace. But after having seen them lose to AEK Larnaca at home with even lower odds, lightning might just strike twice again in the form of an Alkmaar win or draw.
But that wouldn't be too surprising, in truth, as Akmaar have now won their last five games and only tasted defeat twice in 17 competitive games. However, they travel to face one of the strongest teams in Europe this season, so winning here is not only a tough task but might be out of the question for the Dutch team.
Shelbourne vs FC Drita
Shelbourne and FC Drita won't steal the headlines, but will still present a tight, entertaining game and possibly one of the best value betting opportunities you can find in our football predictions.
Only two points and three spots separate these two sides on the Conference League table, and rightfully so after the kind of performances they've had. Drita has drawn their two games, scored two goals, conceded two goals, and earned two points to sit at 23rd place, just shy of the elimination zone.
Meanwhile, Shelbourne have drawn one and lost one game, failed to score any goals, but only conceded one. That performance puts them at 27th place, but a big enough win here can take them all the way up to 12th.
