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

Meanwhile, the visitors are still searching for their first win after collecting only one point from their opening two group games.

Match preview

Sivasspor are currently level with group leaders Slavia Prague on four points, and they currently enjoy a three-point cushion over Thursday's opponents.

Riza Calimbay's side have been involved in a couple of cagey contests, but they have emerged with positive results after a 1-1 draw against Slavia Prague was followed by a narrow 1-0 away win against CFR Cluj.

Max Gradel was the hero on matchday two with his first half penalty guiding Sivasspor to their first win of the season.

With they are currently in the Turkish Super Lig relegation zone with four points from their eight games, they will hope their European form can act as a respite from their domestic troubles.

After being knocked out in Europa Conference League qualifying last season, Sivasspor are now dreaming of a knockout stage appearance following their promising start.

Meanwhile, Ballkani fought their way through three rounds of qualifying to become the first Kosovan club to participate in the group stage of a UEFA club competition.

Despite making history, Ballkani's lack of group stage experience may have played a role in taking one point from their opening two matches.

A 91st-minute equaliser denied them a historic victory against CFR Cluj on matchday one, before they fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat away to Slavia Prague in their last European outing despite leading on two occasions in that contest.

Although they are still waiting for their first group stage victory, Ballkani would have taken confidence from their battling performances.

They will also be in a confident mood after winning their last three games, and a fourth consecutive victory would move them level on points with Sivasspor.

Sivasspor Europa Conference League form:

D

W

Sivasspor form (all competitions):

D

D

D

W

L

L

KF Ballkani Europa Conference League form:

W

W

W

W

D

L

KF Ballkani form (all competitions):

Team News

Sivasspor will be without Leke James and Ahmed Musa for Thursday's contest, with the pair sidelined due to injury issues.

Despite dropping down to the bench at the weekend, Murat Paluli is in contention to replace Robin Yalcin at right-back.

Kader Keita was suspended for the victory over Cluj, but after starting Sunday's league game against Hatayspor, the midfielder is expected to retain his place in the side.

As for Ballkani, they are unable to call upon the services of Rustem Hoxha, who is currently absent due to a knee injury.

Astrit Thaqi is suspended after being sent off against Slavia Prague, which could present Arber Potoku with a starting opportunity.

Meanwhile, Albion Rrahmani will continue to lead the line for the visitors, with the 22-year-old looking to add to the nine goals he has scored this season.

Sivasspor possible starting lineup:

Vural; Paluli, Goutas, Appindangoye, Ciftci; Ulvestad, Keita; Yesilyurt, Saba, Gradel; Yatabare

KF Ballkani possible starting lineup:

Frasheri; Thaci, Sinani, Jashanica, Potoku; Korenica, Dellova, Emerllahu; Gripshi, Krasniqi, Rrahmani

We say: Sivasspor 2-1 KF Ballkani

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