Vllaznia vs Daugavpils prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 10 July 2025
BFC Daugavpils
The first qualifying round of the Conference League features a showdown between Vllaznia and Daugavpils. The match will take place in Albania on Thursday, July 10, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 Central European Time. I'm backing a bet on goals in this encounter.
Match preview
Vllaznia is one of Albania's oldest and most decorated clubs, a regular participant in European competitions. Last season, the team finished second in the Albanian Superliga, earning a spot in the Conference League qualifiers.
It's worth noting that the club from Shkodër has consistently finished in the local league's top four in recent years, though major triumphs have eluded them for some time. Vllaznia boasts nine league titles, with their last championship dating back to 2001.
Vllaznia traditionally plays strongly at home — pressing aggressively, exploiting the flanks, and relying on their physicality. The team rarely leaves the pitch without scoring, but they also tend to concede, especially against sides capable of quick counterattacks.
Preparation for Europe came through friendlies and a brief pre-season camp. In four warm-up matches, the Albanian side managed just one win, against Romanian club Arad. They lost their friendlies against Olimpija, Koper, and Petrolul.
Daugavpils is a young and ambitious side from Latvia who earned a shock place in European competition by finishing fifth in the league last season. Normally, that position wouldn’t grant a Conference League berth, but with Valmiera excluded, Daugavpils have been handed a golden opportunity to make their international debut.
This season in the Latvian Virsliga, the club sits mid-table, producing inconsistent results. Their main issue remains a leaky defense — Daugavpils concede regularly, even against lower-ranked Latvian teams.
However, they do have some exciting attacking talents, and in transitional phases the Latvians can be dangerous. That said, their away form up front leaves much to be desired. Up top, young Africans Diallo and Kone are the main threats, each having netted four goals so far this season.
Match facts
- Vllaznia have won just one of their last five official matches.
- The Albanian side is unbeaten at home since March.
- Daugavpils have both scored and conceded in seven straight games.
- The Latvians have gone nine consecutive away matches without a victory.
- Vllaznia average 2.6 goals per home game, while Daugavpils net an average of 1.4 goals per away game.
Probable lineups
- Vllaznia: Djukaj, Dodaj, Gurishta, Krimi, Mala, Kato, Repaj, Gruda, Stojanovic, Yago, Balaj.
- Daugavpils: Beks, Mihalkovs, Williams, Tati, Kudelkins, Diakite, Ivanovs, Lizunovs, Konate, Saidi, Diallo.
H2H
The teams have never met before.
Prediction
Given Vllaznia's home advantage, European experience, and the guests' defensive frailties, we can expect an open game dominated by the Albanians. At the same time, Daugavpils could snatch a goal on the break, especially if the hosts go all-out attack. My pick: over 2.5 total goals.
