Zürich vs Hearts betting tips: Europa League Play-off Round First Leg preview, predictions and odds

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FC Zürich vs Heart of Midlothian

FC Zürich to win 2-1 against Hearts- 17/2!

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FC Zürich vs Heart of Midlothian

August 18, 2022

6:00 pm GMT+1

Tip of the day

FC Zürich vs Heart of Midlothian

Over 2.5 goals- 17/20!

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Match preview

Heart of Midlothian are back in European competition for the first time since 2016 and, before they’ve even kicked a ball, this is their most successful continental campaign for 18 years.

Last year, as a newly-promoted club, Robbie Neilson’s team finished third in the Premiership and were Scottish Cup finalists.

This guarantees that Hearts will feature in a UEFA group stage for the first time since 2004, with this tie determining in which competition this’ll be.

The Jambos have only won two of their last eight European ties, beaten in high-profile ones against Tottenham and Liverpool in this period.

But, with the safety net of the Europa Conference League, there is optimism Hearts can spring a surprise here.

FC Zürich meanwhile won their first Swiss Super League title since 2009 last season, ending Basel and then Young Boys’ dominance.

So, Franco Foda’s team began in Champions League qualifying, where they were outclassed by Qarabağ, despite leading 2-0 on aggregate at one point.

Nevertheless, Zürich then hammered Linfield in this competition, winning 2-0 at Windsor Park and 3-0 at Letzigrund.

Last Thursday, Donis Avdijaj bagged a brace, before Ivan Santini was also on target.

So, Zürich are guaranteed to feature in a sixth European group phase and first for four years.

Bizarrely, this first leg will take place at Kybunpark in St. Gallen, due to a trauffer with Gölä concert at Letzigrund on Friday.

Could this help Hearts leave Switzerland with a positive result?