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

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

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 made 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 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 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:

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Sivasspor Europa Conference League form:

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Sivasspor form (all competitions):

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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

We say: KF Ballkani 1-1 Sivasspor

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