Neither team is expected to mount a challenge for the title, but getting through this tie could make many take note and potentially offer value as a dark horse…

Quick Picks

Our pick: Rayo Vallecano to win

Value bet: 'Yes' in the BTTS

Long shot: Over 2.5 Goals 

Betting Preview

As one of the "bigger" teams, the Spanish side managed to qualify for an automatic spot in the knockout stages of Europe's third tournament.

Guided by Iñigo Pérez, their attention is likely to be on this competition as they sit mid-table in La Liga betting this season.

Indeed, they've put together some strong performances.

Finishing fifth in the League Phase, the Spaniards won four of their six games (1D, 1L), having scored 13 goals and conceded seven.

In the Round of 16, they overcame the challenge of the Turkish outfit, Samsunspor.

They would win that tie 3-2 on aggregate, although they lost their home match (second leg) 1-0.

AEK Athens will be a dangerous proposition for Vallecano.

They finished third in the table, with an identical record.

They scored 14 and conceded seven, thus giving them the edge by one goal.

In the Round of 16, they would also win away in the first leg before losing in the second at home.

They defeated Celje 4-0 before losing 2-0 in the reverse fixture, but still went through 4-2 on aggregate.

Betting Markets to Watch

Rayo Vallecano are considered the pre-match favourites to win, and there's value in their moneyline odds for them to do that.

They won each of their three home games in the League Phase, keeping two clean sheets.

However, they lost their Round of 16 home encounter.

This is perhaps why their odds are as high as they are, thus highlighting why there's value worth exploring.

Alvaro Garcia and Aboubakary Koita are both worth consideration when looking at the anytime goalscorer market.

Garcia has three goals this season for Vallecano in the competition, while Koita has four.

Both offer a significant goal threat, and if they get the chances to convert, there's a good chance they'll take at least one.

Goals can be expected in this one we believe, as both have shown they can score but are vulnerable to conceding.

The BTTS hitting offers value, as does the 'Over 2.5 Goals' market.

Our Prediction

Check the latest Rayo Vallecano vs AEK Athens betting odds at Sportsbet.

Our prediction is that Rayo Vallecano emerge as likely winners.

Despite the defeat in the Ro16 at home, we think they'll have too much for the Greek side when they meet.

That said, we still believe goals are likely, even if Over 2.5 is a long shot in our minds.

For those looking to learn more about how to bet on the Conference League, this match offers a good example of weighing form against home advantage.