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Sivasspor will host Ballkani in a UEFA Europa Conference League matchday three clash on Thursday (October 6).
The hosts are coming off a 2-1 defeat to Hatayaspor at the same venue in the Turkish Super Lig last weekend. All three goals came in the first half, with Ayoub El Kaabi and Bertug Yildirim scoring to inspire the visitors to the win.
The defeat left the Sivas outfit floundering in the relegation zone, having garnered four points from eight games.
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Ballkani, meanwhile, claimed maximum points in a routine 2-0 home win against Gjilani in the Kosovan Superliga on Sunday. Arber Prekazi's first-half own goal put the hosts ahead before Meriton Korenica made sure of the result with three minutes to go.
The victory made it three wins on the bounce for Ilir Daja's side and helped them to consolidate second spot in the league.
They will turn their attention to the continent where they sit in third spot in Group G with one point. Sivasspor are second, level on four points with table-toppers Slavia Prague.
Sivasspor vs Ballkani Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the first meeting between the two teams.
- Sivasspor are winless in their seven home games across competitions this season.
- Ballkani have won four of their last five games on the road across competitions.
- Four of the last five games involving Sivasspor have had goals at both ends.
- Six of Ballkani's last seven games away from home have produced at least three goals.
- Ballkani have never lost a UEFA gamr by two golas.
Sivasspor vs Ballkani Prediction
Sivasspor's disastrous start to the Turkish Super Lig campaign has left them in danger of being relegated and increased pressure on Riza Calimbay. However, the manager could take solace in his team's improved displays in the continent.
He has called this game a must-win for his team. Victory will take them six points clear of the Kosovan champions in their quest to advance past the group stage of a UEFA competition for the first time.
Ballkani, meanwhile, have nothing to lose in their maiden appearance in a UEFA tournament, but they have shown their ability to spring upsets. They were unlucky to leave Prague empty-handed, having twice taken the lead in an eventual 3-2 defeat to Czech giants Slavia Prague.
Despite Sivasspor's inconsistency, they should do just enough to claim a narrow win.
Prediction: Sivasspor 2-1 Ballkani
Sivasspor vs Ballkani Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Sivasspor to win
Tip 2 - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score
