Vllaznia hold a 2-1 lead when they travel to Malisheva for the second leg of their UEFA Conference League first-round qualifier.
They will be looking to build on that result, and with the hosts also fancying their chances of turning things around, an open contest is on the cards here.
Key Stats
Malisheva have scored in their last five matches in all competitions.
Malisheva have conceded in their last five matches in all competitions.
Vllaznia have scored in their last four matches in all competitions.
Vllaznia have conceded in their last five matches in all competitions.
One Previous Meeting
Last week's clash was the first ever meeting between Malisheva and Vllaznia.
Malisheva’s Solid Home Form
Malisheva will be disappointed to have come away from the first leg empty-handed after taking an early lead. They looked to build on Laurent Xhylani’s third-minute effort but were ultimately hampered by a second-half red card to Andreas Skovgaard.
That result is part of an erratic run for Malisheva, who have won two and suffered as many defeats in their last five matches in all competitions. The good news for Thomas Brdaric’s team is that they are back home on Wednesday and have won their last five matches in front of their fans.
Goals have not been a problem for Malisheva, who have scored in their last five matches in all competitions. However, the club from Kosovo have failed to keep a clean sheet in those five fixtures.
Vllaznia’s Recent Struggles
Vllaznia made their numerical advantage count in the first leg as they fought back from a goal down to claim a 2-1 victory. Klinti Qato struck the equaliser while Emiljano Musta scored what turned out to be the winner after the break.
That result ended a run of eight matches without a win for Vllaznia, who have found things difficult lately. Edi Martini’s team have also struggled on their travels, losing their last six away matches in all competitions.
One of the issues for Vllaznia is their leaky backline, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches in all competitions. However, they often show some attacking quality and have scored in the last four fixtures in this run.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Malisheva (3-4-1-2): Illir Avdylli; Keslin Shani, Dreni Kryeziu, Donart Vitija, Alrlind Veliu, Besnik Ferati, Valmir Nafiu, Arber Pira; Laurent Xhylani; Dzemal Ibishi, Kreshnik Uka.
Defender Skovgaard is suspended for Malisheva following his red card in the first leg. Shani could be handed a start after coming off the bench last time out, while Xhylani is likely to maintain his place in the team.
Vllaznia (4-3-3): Aron Jukaj; Erdenis Gurishta, Jasmin Celikovic, Gledjan Pusi, Emiljano Musta; Klinti Qato, Cristian Dros, Edon Murataj; Aria Ara, Bekim Balaj, Rrok Toma.
Vllaznia have no injuries or suspensions heading into the second leg and could stick with the victorious team from the first meeting. Gurishta and Celikovic should continue at the back while Balaj is expected to lead the line once again.