Crystal Palace vs. Rayo Vallecano - Europa Conference League Final Tips

On Wednesday evening, Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano will meet in Leipzig for the final of the Europa Conference League.

We are at the end of the Conference League and it is a fairytale for both clubs in several ways. After winning the FA Cup last year, Palace have fought to establish themselves in Europe and now have a chance to win a European trophy.

For Vallecano, it is a bit of a falling upwards story. Their owner, as La Liga and Beyond wrote, has run them into the ground and yet here they are, in the final of a European competition.

Let's dive into our tips for this game.

Crystal Palace vs. Rayo Vallecano: Ben's Bets and Expected XIs

At the time of writing this, the lineups were not available to us, so I have tried to make some assumptions about the lineup, whilst only tipping players I think will start. It is worth stating here that I would not advise placing any bets until the lineups are out for both teams.

I've stuck around the Evens mark for this set of tips, hoping to have a bit more success. However, we've still found some longer odds as well.

Now, without further ado, let's dive into my reasoning.

Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano to have 1+ Offside - 4/6

Putting two selections into one is always a bit of a risk. However, their numbers provide me with a bit of faith.

In their past five games, Palace have had at least one offside in each game, averaging 1.65 per game in their last 20 in all competitions. In the Europa Conference League this season, that rises to 1.93 per game.

Vallecano's average is massively higher at 2.17 on average and whilst they have not have an offside in either of their last two games, they had at least one in nine of their 10 previously.

In other words, the statistics look good here.

Chris Richards to make 1+ Foul - 5/6 

This could be a pretty nice price for us, certainly. In his last five games, Richards has made three fouls, which is nothing to really blow you away.

However, he is facing Alemao, who draws fouls in for fun. Indeed, the Brazilian striker has drawn 10 in his last six games, whilst not even playing 300 minutes. That's a foul won every 30 minutes.

Richards could certainly get stuck in here, and with Alemao expected to start, we should be in a good place.

Sergio Camello to have Over 0.5 Shots on Target - 5/4

In recent games, Camello has been a reference point for the Vallecano attack and this is proven by his shooting statistics. With nine shots on target in eight games - where he has only failed to get a shot on target in one game - he should be well involved again here if he starts.

Considering the Vallecano attack has been changed fairly regularly, I'd avoid backing this selection until the lineups have been announced. However, if he starts, he looks a great pick.

Rayo Vallecano to have Most Corners - 15/8

I was a little torn about backing a match result in this game and I think Vallecano could be slightly overpriced. However, that can provide opportunities elsewhere, such as in the corner markets.

In the Conference League this season, they have averaged more than six corners taken per game. As a result, they have had more than their opposition in seven of their 14 games, including three of their last five.

Palace's record is not bad at all, with 4.88 corners taken per game on average. However, Vallecano being effectively 2/1 to have more corners is too good to overlook in my opinion.

Over 1.5 First Half Goals - 12/5

This is certainly the riskiest pick of the bunch, but this game could be one that flies out of the gates. Indeed, in five of Palace's last 10 games, they have seen two or more goals in the first half.

Whilst Vallecano are slightly worse statistically (3/10), they have seen at least one first-half goal in seven of their last 10.

Like I say, it is certainly the riskiest selection of the lot. However, it is not impossible for it to land.

Predicted Crystal Palace XI vs. Rayo Vallecano (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Mateta, Pino

Predicted Rayo Vallecano XI vs. Crystal Palace (4-5-1): Batalla; Rațiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarría; Óscar Valentín, López, Isi Palazón, García, Camello; Alemão.