1
bet365 Square Logo

Kilmarnock vs Connah's Quay Predictions

  • 18:45
  • Expired
  • Rugby Park
Kilmarnock
Connah's Quay

odds when tipped

odds when tipped

Kilmarnock vs Connah's Quay Predictions

Kilmarnock are back in European action on Thursday, as continental football returns to Rugby Park. The hosts are in this competition for the first time since 2001, following their impressive top-three finish last season. They are celebrating the club’s 150th anniversary with this return to Europe, so the home fans will be desperate to see them beat Welsh outfit Connah’s Quay and continue their European adventure. Will Killie add another destination onto their continental campaign, or can the visitors cause a shock?

There’s little hope for the Welsh side, given that Kilmarnock are 1/10 to win the game on Thursday. Following their 2-1 win in the first leg, even a 1-0 defeat would send Killie through. They have little reason to worry, as they go chasing a spot in the second round of qualifying. There’s a massive clash with Partizan Belgrade in prospect for Killie should they hold on to their lead. They’re widely expected to book that trip, it’s just a case of how they do it on Thursday night.

Connah’s Quay come into this clash with a poor European record behind them. While they’ve become regular contenders for a top finish in Wales, they’ve struggled to do much in the qualifiers. They’ve only once made it past the first qualifying round, while that came in their first attempt. They’ve lost six of their last seven matches in this competition, which includes a three-game losing streak on their travels.

The good news for Killie is that Connah’s Quay seem to have already peaked in this tie. Across all of their Europa League outings, they’ve only managed to score once across the tie. They’ve scored exactly one goal in each of their five ties, with three straight losses to nil behind them on the road. Should they fail to score in this one, then Killie are through. Given how vital a clean sheet could be, expect the hosts to start with a solid base and look to frustrate the underdogs.

Kille’s run to the European spots was built on a strong defence. They continue to have that today, which makes us think that Killie will shut out the visitors. Last season the hosts saw just 16% of their home games finish with over 3.5 goals scored. Given that they’re in complete control of this tie against a side who can’t seem to score on the road, we see value in backing the hosts to win with under 3.5 goals scored in the match.

Featured Matches

See All

Today's Tips

See All