FC Ballkani vs FC Astana Prediction & Tips
Ballkani extended their stay at the top of the Kosovo Super League with a 4-1 win last time out, a result that marked their fifth victory in six official matches (E1). That included a 2-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in Group C of the UEFA Europa Conference League, which represented their first-ever victory in a European group stage. They are now in contention to finish in the top two of the group and beating Astana, in the first-ever meeting between the two sides, would give them a real chance of progressing beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.
The home side began their current Europa Conference League campaign in the second qualifying round and their progress so far has been made possible by their performance at home. Ballkani have won their last four home games in this competition and in three of those victories they kept a clean sheet, reflecting how comfortable they feel playing in front of their home fans.
Astana are still looking for their first point in this edition of the Europa Conference League, but a win here, coupled with a Dinamo Zagreb loss to Viktoria Plzeň, could make things very interesting in this group. At least they come into this match on the back of a win in their home league, although they still sit six points behind the leaders in the Kazakhstan Premier League.
In their last six games Astana have split their performances between wins and losses, but their away form has been disappointing, losing six of their last eight away games in all competitions (G1, E1, P6). There is also plenty of work to do away from home in this competition, as the yellow-and-blue-clad side have yet to win in five away games in the UEFA Europa Conference League (E2, P3).
Players to watch: A goal from Almir Kryeziu could be good news for home fans, as the Ballkani won in all four of his scoring appearances this season, including the goal that opened the scoring during his last Europa Conference League home game. While not having the same impact in terms of results on the field, Marin Tomasov has contributed directly in goals (one goal, one assist) in his two appearances this campaign in the competition.
Key stat: Both teams have scored in just three of Ballkani’s last 12 appearances in European competition.
FC Ballkani – FC Astana FREE TIPS
UNDER 2.5 GOALS @ 2.25
