Rapid Vienna v Hearts: Conference League play-off predictions, best bets and odds

Frank Monkhouse

The Green-Whites play the Jambos in this exciting Conference League play-off second leg. Football betting analyst Frank Monkhouse offers his preview and predictions.

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Football fans enjoy a busy midweek of action, with UEFA Champions League play-offs decided on Tuesday and Wednesday, before the Europa League and Conference League take charge on Thursday.

The leading UKGC-licensed bookmakers featured on this page offer over 100 pre-match betting markets on every fixture, including match-winner, total goals, handicap, first scorers, and more. Flashscore readers can also bag a welcome bonus free bet in time for kick-off.

On this page, trusted football betting writer Frank Monkhouse presents his data-led predictions on Rapid Vienna v Hearts in Austria. With a range of bets and odds covered, there’s a play to suit every budget and gambler.

Rapid Vienna v Hearts betting tips

Rapid Vienna to qualify @ 1/3 (bet365)

Over 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (bet365)

Rapid Vienna win & BTTS @ 11/5 (bet365)

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

To qualify - Rapid Vienna

The first leg went almost according to plan for Rapid Vienna, scoring two goals in Scotland and taking a draw into the second leg.

The team that finished fifth in the Austrian Bundesliga last term played their part in a four-goal thriller at Tynecastle.

Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao broke the deadlock on 30 minutes to give his team a narrow lead at the break. The same man then knocked the ball into his own net to level the scores. Teenager James Wilson climbed off the bench to give Hearts the lead with a stunning goal, but fellow sub Nikolaus Wurmbrand rifled home a late equaliser.

Although the first match was highly entertaining, manager Johannes Hoff Thorup and everyone connected to the home dressing room would gladly accept a dull win in this renewal.

The first leg stats show Rapid Vienna controlled the ball in Edinburgh, finishing with 60% possession. They got off only nine shots, but had 23 touches in their opponent’s box, and forced goalkeeper Beau Reus into three vital stops, with two at 0-0.

Rapid Vienna did enough to win the first match, but a special atmosphere inside Tynecastle inspired a great game. With the Green-Whites back playing at the Allianz Stadion, I’m confident they’ll turn chances into goals.

Hearts have scored 13 goals in their last four home games, but they’ve been far less convincing on the road. The visitors conceded six goals at Benfica in a Europa League 3rd qualifying round defeat. Wouter Vrancken’s team also lost 2-1 at Pittodrie in the Premiership opener earlier this month.

Hearts also played Sturm Graz in a Champions League qualifier last month, thanks to a second-place finish in the Scottish top-flight. They conceded six goals over two legs, including four on the road.

Need more convincing? Rapid have played four games in Vienna so far this season, scoring 17 goals. Back the home team to qualify.

Tip: Rapid Vienna to qualify @ 1/3 (bet365)

Bet explanation: You need Rapid Vienna to progress to the league phase. With this bet, you’re covered for a win in 90 minutes, extra time, or on penalties.

Total goals - Over 2.5

My second suggested bet from the Allianz Stadion on Wednesday is on Rapid Vienna v Hearts to produce more than two goals from both teams combined.

Unlike the prediction above, you’re not too fussed by which team goes through. You’re much more interested in the number of goals. A 3-0 home win pays the same as a 2-2 draw, or a 3-0 surprise win for Hearts. If this match gives us three or more goals, you’ll land a profit.

As we know, this bet would’ve paid out in the 62nd minute of the opener in Gorgie. It was also a winning play in each of Vienna’s previous two starts, and in seven of the nine games played so far this season.

Switching to Hearts, a bet on over 2.5 goals was smart in their last two, and in six of eight matches played in all competitions.

Both sides have plenty of firepower, but with question marks hanging over the defence this early in the campaign, another goalfest looks likely.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (bet365)

Bet explanation: You need Rapid Vienna vs Hearts to end with more than two goals scored by both teams combined in regulation time.

Result & BTTS - Rapid Vienna & Yes

Having picked a home win and made a strong case for more goals, I finish with a play at more attractive odds. Back Rapid Vienna to win, and both teams to score.

Takers need both parts of the bet to land. The locals must score two or more goals to win the match, but Hearts must also find the net at least once in defeat.

Looking back at how the Jambos have performed in Europe, they failed to land a blow on Sturm Graz in the Champions League, but did score one in Benfica. That’s no mean feat, but the only problem there was that they conceded six goals that night.

Backing both teams to score and Hearts to lose paid off in their only two other away games this month. That covers the 2-1 loss to Aberdeen at Pittodrie, and that embarrassing 6-1 thumping at the Estádio da Luz.

It’s worth knowing that Rapid Vienna recently beat Santa Coloma 3-1 and 6-2 in qualifying, Paide 4-1, and Ried 2-1.

Tip: Rapid Vienna win & BTTS @ 11/5 (bet365)

Bet explanation: Rapid Vienna must win at home on Wednesday, but you also need Hearts to score at least one more goal.