FC Ballkani vs Sivasspor Prediction & Tips
Ballkani’s first win in the group stage of European competition was worth the wait, as Ilir Daja’s side recovered from conceding an early goal and a painful stoppage-time equalizer to eventually prevail 4-3 over Sivasspor. Ernal Krasniqi refused to give up, putting the Kosovo side top of UEFA Conference League Group G on goals scored, with the win forming part of a run of five wins in a row in all competitions.
With all teams on four points, a similar character display could see Ballkani drastically reduce the chances of having a Kosovo representative for the first time in a knockout stage. Although on borrowed ground, home form has proved vital so far, with the “Gabriels” still unbeaten at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri in the UECL (G3, E1) and opening the scoring on each occasion.
Eager to redeem themselves after failing to progress beyond the group stage at continental level just two years ago, Sivasspor have the chance to bounce back from last week’s shock defeat and make it two consecutive away wins at this level, following a 1-0 win over Cluj last month. However, that is their only unbeaten bow in the UECL since early August 2021 (G2, E2, P3).
That only adds to doubts that Sivasspor can avenge the insult of being beaten by the team that entered the group stage with UEFA’s lowest coefficient. But a weekend win at home to fellow UECL participants Basaksehir provided an extra boost, especially after failing to pick up points in their previous three away games in the Süper Lig after going into halftime down on the scoreboard.
Players to watch: Like matchday three hero Krasnigi, Meriton Korenica has scored in Ballkani’s last two games in this competition, with six of his last seven goals coming after the hour mark. However, Mustapha Yatabare should be more motivated than anyone, thinking he had salvaged a point on matchday three, to make his last three goals work to seal the tie.
Key stat: All three of Ballkani’s home wins in the UECL so far have seen their opponents finish a man down.
FC Ballkani – Sivasspor FREE TIPS
FC Ballkani – Win @ 3.25
