Larne vs Ballkani Predictions

• Larne won last week’s first leg but had less possession and fewer shots
• Ballkani were 7-1 winners on aggregate when these sides met in Europe last season
• The Kosovans have won both their away matches in Europe this term

Kosovans to turn tie around

Larne will take a surprise 1-0 lead into the second leg of this qualifying tie thanks to Matthew Lusty’s late strike in Kosovo, but the Northern Irish champions were perhaps fortunate to claim that victory and may find the going tougher back on home soil.

Despite losing the first leg, Ballkani had more possession and attempts, both on and off target, so they will feel they have enough about them to turn things around.

Ballkani certainly do not have to look far for inspiration, as these two sides also met in Conference League qualifying last season, with the Kosovans following up a 3-0 first-leg victory on home soil with a 4-1 success in Northern Ireland.

Ballkani strong on the road

Last season’s 7-1 aggregate success for Ballkani is perhaps a fairer reflection on the gap between the two sides.

However, the pressure will be on the visitors to get the job done on Thursday, so their victory may not be as emphatic at Inver Park, which makes the 2-0 success, which would be enough to take Ilir Daja’s side through, an appealing option.

Ballkani have won both their away matches in Europe this season, scoring twice in each, including their 2-0 success against Hamrun Spartans in the previous qualifying round. History could well repeat itself with that scoreline on Thursday.