Europa Conference League predictions: Slovacko could be a surprise package

Hearts have a mountain to climb to qualify for the Europa Conference League knockout stages. West Ham have already guaranteed their place in the knockout stage. Slovacko are looking to turn the table on its head in their final two group games.

Slovacko are bottom of Group D but are level on points with Cologne and one point behind Ligue 1 side Nice. They could usurp Partizan and top the section if they win their final two games.

Slovacko have never finished higher than fourth in the Czech First League and have only appeared in one European competition before. They have played better in Group D than results suggest and they have the quality and motivation to cause a shock against Cologne.

Hearts need to beat Rigas on Thursday and win over Basaksehir in Istanbul to have any chance of qualifying. Riga must also beat Fiorentina and hope that they drop points in their final two group games.

Hearts won the reverse fixture of this tie in Latvia thanks to a penalty and a 93rd-minute breakaway goal. Riga hit the post and was denied by an outstanding Craig Gordon save.

West Ham have won all four games in Group B. Silkeborg have given as good as they got despite being the lowest-ranked team. Danes have scored in each of their last 10 games at a rate of 2.6 goals per game. West Ham score 2 and a half goals a game at home.

West Ham are in excellent form and have won seven of their last ten games. Silkeborg have scored twice in the reverse fixture and are likely to make this game interesting. The Hammers have conceded in both home wins in Group B so far.