Thursday's Conference League predictions and free football tips: Blues can cruise to another victory

Where to watch Thursday's Conference League matches

Heidenheim v Chelsea
TNT Sports 1, 5.45pm Thursday

Cercle Brugge v Hearts
TNT Sports 3, 5.45pm Thursday

The New Saints v Djurgarden
TNT Sports 4, 5.45pm Thursday

Rapid Vienna v Shamrock Rovers
TNT Sports 6, 8pm Thursday

Olimpija v Larne
TNT Sports 5, 8pm Thursday

Best bet

Chelsea -1 goal on handicap
1pt 11-10 general

Hearts or draw double chance
1pt 11-10 Betfair, Paddy Power

Thursday's Conference League predictions

Heidenheim vs Chelsea

Chelsea head to Heidenheim to face another team boasting a perfect record in the Conference League but, having racked up 16 goals in their trio of successes, the Blues are 2-5 to bring an end to the Bundesliga side’s dream start in Europe.

The depth at Chelsea’s disposal means it is going to be tough for any team to live with them in this competition and they should have too much quality for Heidenheim, who have lost seven of their last nine matches in the Bundesliga.

Heidenheim lost the shot count 17-10 in their latest 2-0 victory at Hearts, which suggests even an Enzo Maresca second-string can run out comfortable winners. The Blues have already beaten Gent 4-2, Panathinaikos 4-1 and Noah 8-0 in this competition.

Cercle Brugge v Hearts

Hearts are having a miserable time of things in the Scottish Premiership, having lost nine of their 14 matches, but they’ve looked competitive in Europe.

Neil Critchley’s side recorded wins over Dinamo Minsk and Omonia Nicosia before suffering a 2-0 loss at home to Heidenheim and they may be able to avoid defeat at Cercle Brugge, who are also struggling domestically and are without a goal in three.

The New Saints vs Djurgarden

The New Saints were the first Welsh side to claim points in the group stage of a major European competition when they beat Astana in their opening home game last month, but a tougher test awaits against Swedish side Djurgarden.

The visitors have picked up four points from three games, drawing 2-2 at Lask and winning 2-1 against Panathinaikos, and rightly start as odds-on favourites.

Rapid Vienna vs Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers have taken seven points from three matches in the Conference League but recent wins over Larne and The Welsh Saints may not stack up to much against Rapid Vienna, who are three from three.

Rapid sit second in the Austrian Bundesliga and they are unbeaten in 11 at home, so should win this encounter a shade cosily.

Olimpija vs Larne

Northern Irish outfit Larne have lost all three Conference League matches, conceding nine goals, and their fortunes are unlikely to change in Slovenia against Olimpija, who are unbeaten in eight and have been breached only once in that run.

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