MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 20:44:35| >> :600:10982015:10982015:
[monks data]
Ballkani
Conference League | Group Stage
Oct 13, 2022 at 8pm UK
 

KF Ballkani
1 - 2
Sivasspor

Thaci (36')
Kuc (37')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Arslan (72'), Angielski (81')
Yesilyurt (31'), Charisis (46'), Paluli (52')

Preview: KF Ballkani vs. Sivasspor - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Thursday's Europa Conference League clash between KF Ballkani and Sivasspor, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

KF Ballkani will look to claim a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions when they play host to Sivasspor in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

When the two sides met in Turkey last Thursday, Ballkani claimed a narrow 4-3 victory thanks to a last-minute winner from Ermal Krasniqi.


Match preview

Sivasspor Riza Calimbay pictured on November 5, 2020© Reuters

After becoming the first Kosovan club to reach the group stage of a UEFA club competition, Ballkani found it tough to initially adapt to their new surroundings.

Although they competed well, their opening two group games only yielded one point following a 1-1 draw against CFR Cluj and a 3-2 away defeat to Slavia Prague.

Ballkani looked to have blown their chance at claiming their first win of the group stage last week after giving up a 3-1 lead when making the trip to Turkey for a meeting with Sivasspor.

However, three minutes after Mustafa Yatabare's 91st-minute equaliser looked to have denied the visitors a momentous victory, Krasniqi became Ballkani's hero, scoring the winning goal to cement his place in Kosovan football history.

They followed their dramatic 4-3 victory over Sivasspor with a 2-1 win against Malisheva at the weekend, ensuring that they carry a five-game winning run into Thursday's contest.

Despite losing last week, Sivasspor are level on four points with the rest of Group B after previously drawing against Slavia Prague and beating CFR Cluj.

The visitors also received a confidence boost at the weekend as they beat Istanbul Basaksehir 2-0 to claim their first win of the Turkish Super Lig season.

Dia Saba dispatched his spot kick in first-half stoppage time before he wrapped up his brace and the three points with an 85th-minute strike that helped Sivasspor move out of the Turkish Super Lig relegation zone.

With their first league win under their belt, Riza Calimbay's side will turn their attention to Thursday's encounter where they will look to replicate the 1-0 victory that they recorded in their only away trip of the Europa Conference League group stage so far.

Sivasspor will need to pick up points on their travels if they are to progress to the knockout rounds, with two of their final group games taking place away from home.

KF Ballkani Europa Conference League form:

Sivasspor Europa Conference League form:


Sivasspor form (all competitions):



Team News

Ballkani are still without the services of Rustem Hoxha, who is currently sidelined due to a knee injury.

Despite scoring against Sivasspor last week, Arber Potoku could drop down to the bench, with Astrit Thaqi set to return to the side after serving a one-match suspension.

Merin Korenica and Krasiqi were also on the scoresheet in Turkey, and they will feature in the front three alongside Albion Rrahmani.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon Ahmed Musa and Leke James, who are ruled out with arm and ankle injuries respectively.

After claiming their first league win of the season, Calimbay is expected to keep changes to a minimum, although Max Gradel could be brought into the starting XI to replace Clinton N'Jie.

Yatabare has only scored one goal in 14 appearances this season, but he will continue to lead the line for Sivasspor on Thursday.

KF Ballkani possible starting lineup:
Frasheri; Ar. Thaqi, Sinani, Jashanica, As. Thaqi; Dellova, Emerllahu, Zyba; Korenica, Krasniqi, Rrahmani

Sivasspor possible starting lineup:
Vural; Paluli, Goutas, Osmanpasa, Ciftci; Ulvestad, Yalcin; Yesilyurt, Saba, Gradel; Yatabare


SM words green background

We say: KF Ballkani 1-1 Sivasspor

The two sides demonstrated last week that they are closely matched despite Ballkani claiming a narrow win, and we think that the hosts will be unable to claim consecutive victories over Sivasspor as we believe Thursday's contest will finish all square.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




ID:496692:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect9962:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: KF Ballkani vs Sivasspor

KF Ballkani
54.5%
Draw
27.3%
Sivasspor
18.2%
11
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Bodo/Glimt's Ulrik Saltnes celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on April 7, 2022
Read Next:
Tuesday's Champions League predictions including Sutjeska vs. Ludogorets
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS

League Phase

TeamPWDLPTS
1Chelsea33009
2Legia33009
3Jagiellonia33009
4Rapid Vienna33009
5Heidenheim33009
6Guimaraes33009
7Shamrock32107
8Fiorentina32016
9Ljubljana32016
10Pafos32016
11Hearts32016
12Lugano32016
13Gent32016
14Vikingur 32016
15Borac Banja Luka31114
16Cercle Brugge31114
17Djurgarden31114
18Betis31114
19APOEL31114
20New Saints31023
21Astana31023
22Celje31023
23Omonia31023
24Molde31023
25Backa Topola31023
26HJK Helsinki31023
27St Gallen31023
28Noah31023
29Copenhagen30212
30LASK30212
31Panathinaikos30121
32Istanbul30121
33Mlada Boleslav30030
34Dinamo Minsk30030
35Larne30030
36Petrocub30030


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!