Ballkani vs Ludogorets Predictions

Ballkani face uphill battle

Ballkani will be competing in Champions League qualifying for the second-successive year, but they will be hoping for a better outcome than last year when they were knocked out by Zalgiris at the first hurdle.

Ilir Daja’s side did go on to reach the group stage of the Europa Conference League last term, but they failed to win any of their three home matches in the group and they could suffer another European defeat on their own patch when they take on a Ludogorets side that are vastly more experienced on the European stage.

Ludogorets to make experience count

Ludogorets are regulars in Champions League qualifying and they have made it beyond the first round in each of the last three seasons, including winning home and away to Sutjeska Niksic last term.

The Bulgarian champions have enjoyed a solid preparation for this first leg, as they have won each of their last four games to nil, although the last three of those were in pre-season friendlies.

That run includes a 2-0 success over Universitatea Craiova last time out and they could enjoy a repeat result against Ballkani, which would set them up perfectly for next week’s return leg in Bulgaria.