Shkendija – TNS Prediction & Picks (10.07.2018)

Shkendija and The New Saints meet at Nacionalna Arena Filip II Makedonski, in a match for this phase of the UEFA Champions League (1st Qualifying Round). This will be the first direct confrontation between these two teams, as they have never faced each other before. The New Saints presents considerable differences in their results at home and as a visitor, so in this game the home factor may be decisive.

Shkendija:

The home team will make its debut in this edition of the UEFA Champions League with the intention of conquering a positive result, taking advantage of the home factor. This is a team that usually maintains its competitive levels in home and away matches, since in the last 29 matches it has 5 wins, 5 draws and 5 losses as a visitor; against 8 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses at their stadium. The team comes to this match after a away win with Vorskla Poltava by (1-3). In the last 4 home matches for all competitions, the Shkendija won 2 and lost 2. The team has conceded goals in 9 of the last 10 matches, so their defense needs to improve, but their attack has scored regularly , since they have scored goals in 8 of the last 10 matches.

Some seasons after the Shkendija returns to participate in the Champions League, but he knows that he will not have an easy task, because he never managed to go far in the competition and to do better this season many things will have to change. Of course he will not want to be eliminated in the first phase and will fight to get an advantage in the tie, because the first leg away from home will be more complicated and it is good to arrive at that game more calmly. By playing in his stadium he will try to win and if possible without suffering goals, because that advantage would be fundamental to reach his goal.

The New Saints:

The visiting team plays their first match in this edition of the UEFA Champions League with the intention of winning a positive result as a visitor. This is a team that, oddly enough, was better outside than at home, as in the last 30 matches they register 11 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses in away matches; against 10 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses at their stadium. The team comes to this match after a home victory over Falkirk by (2-0). In the last 10 away matches for all competitions, The New Saints has won 6, tied 2 and lost 2. The team has conceded goals in 7 of the last 10 matches, so their defense needs to improve, but their attack has scored regularly, since they have scored goals in 9 of the last 10 matches.

This season the TNS is going to play the Champions League and that is due to the fact of having been national champion in Wales. The team knows that it will be difficult to qualify for the next phase, but if you want to hope for it it is very important that you get a good result in this first leg: a draw with goals would be a good result, because the return game will be played in his stadium, where he will have the support of his fans. No doubt the visiting team will fight with all their strength to obtain a positive result.