The first leg of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-finals between Djurgården (Sweden) and Rapid Vienna (Austria) will take place on April 10 at the Stockholm Olympic Stadium. Djurgården vs. Rapid Vienna: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Djurgården
The Swedish side faced Pafos in the previous round. In Cyprus, Jani Honkavaara's team lost 0-1, but at home, they managed to thrash their opponents 3-0. This victory was Djurgården's fifth in their last six Conference League matches. Notably, the Scandinavians have reached the quarter-finals of this tournament for the first time. Moreover, this is only the second time in their history that the club has advanced to this stage of a European competition (the first quarter-final was in the 1955/56 European Cup season).
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of Djurgården's last 8 Conference League matches.
- The club has won 6 of their last 7 home matches in this tournament.
- In 6 of their last 7 home games in the Conference League, Djurgården has not conceded more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Djurgården (4-5-1)
Malcolm Nilsson Säfqvist – Miro Tenho, Keita Kosugi, Adam Ståhl, Jacob Une Larsson – Rasmus Schüller, Daniel Stensson, Tobias Gulliksen, Patrik Oslund, Oscar Fallenius – Tokmac Chol Nguen.
Midfielder Daniel Stensson and forward Tokmac Chol Nguen will miss the match due to yellow card accumulation. Midfielders Rasmus Schüller and Patrik Oslund are injured.
Rapid Vienna
Robert Klaus's team had a challenging time in the previous stage. Both matches against Borac ended in 1-1 draws, and only a goal in extra time allowed the team to advance. Notably, Rapid Vienna has lost only one of their last 8 Conference League matches (4 wins and 3 draws in regular time), and they have scored in all these games. The last time the club participated in the Conference League was in the 2021/22 season, but they failed to advance past the playoff qualification round.
- The Austrians have not scored more than one goal in regular time in 5 of their last 7 Conference League matches.
- The club has conceded in 8 of their last 10 away matches in this tournament.
- Rapid Vienna has not lost in 5 of their last 7 away matches in the Conference League (3 wins, 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Rapid Vienna (3-4-3)
Niklas Hedl – Bendeguz Bolla, Nenad Cvetkovic, Serge-Philippe Roga-Yao – Lukas Grgic, Mamadou Sangare, Louis Schaub, Moritz Oswald – Dion Beljo, Nikolaus Wurmbrand, Isak Jansson.
Forward Nikolaus Wurmbrand will not play due to injury. Midfielder Mamadou Sangare is suspended.
Referee
Tobias Stieler (Germany)
Matches – 13 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 56;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 31%.
Djurgården vs. Rapid Vienna: Match Prediction
The Swedes have been performing excellently in the Conference League, winning 5 of their last 6 matches, with their only loss in this stretch coming away. Djurgården is making full use of their home advantage. In this Conference League campaign, the club has won 6 of their 7 home matches. It's also worth noting that the winter break in the Swedish league has ended, providing Djurgården with regular match practice.
The Austrians can boast only one win in regular time in their last five Conference League matches (3 draws, 1 loss). Overall, Robert Klaus's team is currently struggling, having failed to win 8 of their last 10 official matches. Moreover, Rapid Vienna has not secured a victory away from home since early November.
The hosts, in good form, should defeat their opponents. However, bookmakers slightly favor the Austrians. Therefore, I suggest playing it safe with a zero handicap. My prediction: Djurgården with a handicap (0)