Austria Vienna vs Beitar Jerusalem - UEFA Europa Conference League

There is a notable edge to this UEFA Europa Conference League fixture. When Austria Vienna meet Beitar Jerusalem at the home ground on August 13, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. The defender has entered the third year of his scholarship agreement, and United have hoped to tie Kukonki down to a professional contract, which was initially agreed last year.

Both camps will view the UEFA Europa Conference League meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts have found wins hard to come by, DWWLL across their last five telling the story of a win rate of 0%. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Meanwhile, Paige Bueckers struggled to find her rhythm, going 5-for-13 for 15 points in the loss.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Austria Vienna will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Beitar Jerusalem must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. They were slightly found out against Amorim's Milan in pre-season, with the press not quite sharp enough - the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

With K. Behrens leading the league's scoring charts at 6 goals, the contest is unlikely to be short of attacking intent. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. There have been comparisons made between the left-footed Kukonki and Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the UEFA Europa Conference League standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Fulham's Antonee Robinson could be one of those, who would likely be a cheaper alternative to Hall, who has just enjoyed a breakout season with the Magpies.