Welsh Premier League side Connah's Quay Nomads played out a goalless draw at home to Kosovan outfit Ballkani in the opening leg of the Conference League first qualifying round and they will be striving to upset the odds in Thursday's return match in Pristina.
Failing to win the home leg could turn out to be a missed opportunity for Connah's Quay, who have lost two of their last three away matches in European competition.
The Welsh club have not won a European tie since a shock 3-2 aggregate success over Kilmarnock in a Europa League first qualifying round tie back in 2019, although they gave a solid performance in last Wednesday's opening leg, winning the shot count by eight to five.
Ballkani finished third in last season's Kosovan top flight, which was slightly disappointing for a side which won the title in 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24.
But they have had plenty of positive recent European experiences, having battled their way into the Conference League group stage in 2022 and 2023.
Ballkani v Connah's Quay Nomads Tips Summary
Best Bet - Ballkani to win to nil @ 5/4
Alternative Bet - Ballkani to win 1-0 @ 7/1
Bet Builder - Ballkani to win by one goal & Draw-Ballkani double result @ 13/2
Ballkani v Connah's Quay Nomads Prediction
Best Bet - Ballkani to win to nil @ 5/4
Ballkani were happy enough to secure a goalless draw in north Wales last Wednesday and they can build on that effort with a home victory in addition to another clean sheet.
There has been a drop in performance from Ballkani over the last couple of years, exiting last season's Conference League in the third qualifying round with a 4-1 aggregate defeat to Shamrock Rovers.
But the Kosovan side have never lost at this stage in Conference League qualifying and they will look to get on the front foot from the off in the second leg.
Connah's Quay were content with their first leg performance but slightly frustrated with the outcome.
They lacked a cutting edge and were diminished in attack without Rhys Hughes, who scored 15 goals in the Welsh Premier League last season before sealing a summer switch to The New Saints.
John Disney's side did enough to suggest that they will be competitive in the return match, but they may lack the quality to finish the job.
Alternative Bet - Ballkani to win 1-0 @ 7/1
Ballkani have a recent history of tight matches in European competitions, with seven of the last nine featuring fewer than three goals.
Two of Ballkani's last three European wins have been by a 1-0 scoreline and another low-scoring success may see them through to the next round.
Ballkani v Connah's Quay Nomads Bet Builder Tip
Ballkani to win by one goal
Draw-Ballkani double result
Pays 13/2
History is firmly against Connah's Quay Nomads, who have lost seven consecutive European ties.
But they had a strong campaign in the 2025/26 Welsh Premier League, finishing second to The New Saints, and looked to be on a similar level to Ballkani in the first match at Llanelian Road.
However, playing away from home in warmer conditions puts them at a disadvantage and could make it difficult for them to maintain their levels over the entire course of the game.
Ballkani will adopt a patient approach and may struggle to find the early breakthrough.
But the Kosovan hosts should eventually produce a decisive moment against tiring opposition and maintain their hopes of advancing to the competition's league phase.
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Key Match Stats
Ballkani have won seven of their last 12 home games in European competition
Ballkani have kept clean sheets in five of their last nine European fixtures
Two of Ballkani's last three European victories have been by a 1-0 scoreline
Connah's Quay have been level at the break in each of their last three games
Connah's Quay have won just two of their last 12 matches
Each of Connah's Quay's last five losses have been by a single goal
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
