FC Ballkani vs FC Astana prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-10-25 16:45.
Ballkani extended their stay atop the Kosovo Superliga standings with a 4-1 win last round, a success which marked their fifth win across six (D1) competitive matches. That included a 2-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in Group C of the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL), which was an historic first win in a European group stage. That result has put them in the mix for a top-two finish in the group and victory over Astana, in the first ever meeting between the sides, would give them a real shot of reaching their first ever knockout stage.
The hosts started their current UECL journey in the second qualifying group and their progress so far has been synonymous with their home record. Ballkani have won each of their last four home games in this competition and three came with a clean sheet, hinting at how much they enjoy the comforts of home.
Astana are still searching for their first point of this UECL competition, but a win here coupled with a loss for Dinamo Zagreb against Viktoria Plzeň could open the group up. At least they come into the game following a victory in their domestic league, although that only kept them six points off the pace in Kazakhstan’s Premier League.
Indifferent recent form has seen their last six games split between wins and losses, but their form on the road has been disappointing, as they’ve lost six of the last eight in all competitions (W1, D1, L6). There’s also a lot of work to do away from home in this UECL competition, as the Yellow and Blues are yet to taste victory across five UECL away fixtures (D2, L3).
Players to watch: A goal from Almir Kryeziu could deliver good news for the home fans, as Ballkani have won all four of his goal scoring appearances this season, which includes the opening goal of their last home UECL match. Albeit not making quite the same impact in terms of on-field results, Marin Tomasov has contributed to goals (G1, A1) in both of their UECL games this campaign.
Hot stat: Only three of Ballkani’s last 12 UEFA matches saw both teams score on the day.