BATE vs AF Elbasani: Who will reach the next round of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers?
Elbasani
On Thursday, July 16, BATE will host AF Elbasani in the second leg of the first qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 CET, and here is my betting prediction for the match.
BATE vs AF Elbasani: Match preview
The first meeting between these sides ended without a winner. AF Elbasani took the lead in first-half stoppage time through a goal in the 45+1st minute, but they were unable to hold on to their advantage. BATE equalised after the break to salvage a draw, which many considered a surprise result.
BATE have endured a disappointing domestic campaign so far. They have managed to win only one league match this season. With the Belarusian season in full swing, the club currently sit in the relegation zone with just nine points from 14 matches. As a result, BATE cannot be considered favourites heading into this encounter.
AF Elbasani finished second in the Albanian league last season. They collected 37 points, the same total as champions KF Egnatia, but lost the title on the tie-break criteria. Their new domestic season will not begin until the end of August, allowing them to focus entirely on European qualification if they can progress to the second round of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.
Match facts and head-to-head
- The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw.
- BATE are winless in their last four matches, recording one draw and three defeats.
- BATE have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last eight matches.
- AF Elbasani are unbeaten in their last four games, with three wins and one draw.
- This will be only the second meeting between the two clubs.
Probable line-ups
- BATE: Sokol; Rakhmanaw, Sakuta, Musahagian, Neskoromnyi; Zhurin, Varaksa, Kress, Kaplenko; Angban, Puerto
- AF Elbasani: Aleksovski; Lila, Epito, Lulaj, Kasa; Tresa, Ibrahim, Kasha; Diallo, Hebaj, Nikaj
Prediction
This is a crucial match, with the winner advancing to the second qualifying round. Although BATE have home advantage, they have struggled badly throughout the season. My betting tip is over 2 total goals.
