- Shkendija have won six, drawn one and lost three of their last ten matches in all competitions.
- Europa FC have won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five matches.
- Shkendija are the clear favourites for this game at 1.3, with Europa FC at 9.3 and the draw at 5.8.
Tetovo tough test for Europa FC
The odds are against Europa FC going into their UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 second leg against FK Shkendija 79 at City Stadium Tetovo, North Macedonia, on Thursday. Shkendija ran riot in Tetovo last week to establish a big lead in this tie, and they arrive in North Macedonia ready to finish the job off. Shkendija are a 4-2-3-1 side, with a double pivot and playmaker in the number ten position, with wingers either side to supply the striker and wide forwards. Artim Polozani has taken charge and has got this side to work very effectively in recent seasons. They are a quick side, especially through the middle, and will look to overload the Europa FC full-backs on the counter-attack in this game. Shkendija are not prolific goalscorers, but have a number of players that can hurt their opponents on their day and Fabrice Tamba has been their biggest threat in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 with two goals in one game.
Europa FC need a defensive masterclass
Shkendija come into this match on the back of a 3-1 win at home to FC Struga Trim & Lum and a 5-0 hammering of Europa FC in the first leg of this tie. They have won two, drawn zero and lost two of their four home matches in all competitions this season, scoring an average of 3.00 goals per game and conceding an average of 1.50.
Europa FC have won three and lost one of their four away matches in all competitions this term. They have been tight at the back in those games, conceding just three goals in total.
Michelle Di Piedi took charge at Europa FC in January 2024 and has built a side on the basis of discipline and compact structure - they will line up in a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 shape on Thursday and will sit deep, trying to keep the Shkendija players out and nick a goal.
Another home win likely
Shkendija's win to nil seems like a fitting way to finish off this contest in which they should have no problems in finishing off Europa FC. They won the first-leg, they arrive with mixed recent form and can play with confidence, while the visitors have to come out to play and are coming up against a quick and direct side in their own home ground.
Europa FC have won three of their four away matches, conceding just three goals, while Shkendija have won 2 and lost 2 of their 4 home games this term, scoring 12 and conceding 6. Shkendija to win and finish the game off is the main selection, with a Shkendija win to nil also appealing at the current prices.
