Zurich vs. Hearts: preview and betting tips

Swiss champions FC Zurich enter the Europa League play-offs on Thursday, welcoming Scottish side Hearts at home in the opening game of a double header. What to expect from the clash and what to bet on?

Zurich, after being knocked out of the Champions League by Qarabag, have made it through the third Europa League preliminary round against Linfield to secure at least a Conference group. However, it is not doing well in the league, with two points and is last after five rounds.

Hearts have been seeded in the last preliminary round thanks to a good Scottish coefficient. They are doing well in the league, third with seven points after three rounds, of course behind the top two Celtic, Rangers.

Donis Avdijaj is doing well for the home side, the Kosovo international striker has already scored four times. Croatia’s Ivan Santini is playing the role of an experienced joker, having scored two goals from the bench already this season.

Lawrence Shankland is thriving from the start of the year, the Scottish spearhead striker has scored two goals and assisted once. Barrie McKay, a left winger with Scottish national team experience, has the same record.

Zurich are not doing well at home, having won only one of their last four games.

Hearts rely on goal attack, scoring more than once in three of their last four games.

Given Zurich’s poor form and Hearts’ good start to the season, I think the visitors will not lose.