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Larne host Ballkani at Inver Park on Thursday for the second leg of their clash in the UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round. The Northern Irish side hold a narrow advantage in the tie following their win last week.
Aiming to make their first-ever appearance in a European club tournament, Larne secured a smash-and-grab victory in the 89th minute through Matthew Lusty, who broke Ballkani's resistance to hand his side a slender lead in the contest.
Now, a draw is enough for Tiernan Lynch's side to reach the playoff round for the first time. In their only prior appearance in the third qualifying round, Larne were beaten 4-1 on aggregate by Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira.
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On the other hand, Ballkani will draw inspiration from their performance against Larne in 2023 to overturn the deficit and progress. The Kosovan side had crushed them 4-1 away from home in the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League last year.
Larne vs Ballkani Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This is the fourth clash between the sides in Europe.
- Last year, Ballkani had beaten Larne both home and away, prevailing 7-1 on aggregate. This year, Larne have beaten them 1-0 away from home.
- Larne are winless in their last four European home games, losing thrice, including their recent two.
- After conceding just once in three European home games, Larne leaked 11 goals in the next four, while scoring only thrice.
- Ballkani have won their last two away games in Europe and remain unbeaten in their last three.
- In six official games this season, Ballkani have won thrice, including two away from home - and both came in Europe: 2-1 vs Santa Coloma in the Champions League first qualifying round and 2-0 vs Hamrun in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round.
Larne vs Ballkani Prediction
Larne have been terrible in Europe after a solid run in 2021. Their home record also doesn't inspire hope, failing to win their last four and conceding 11 times in the process.
Ballkani will be looking to right the wrongs of the first leg and overturn the deficit, and we expect them to secure a narrow win.
Prediction: Larne 1-2 (3-4 on penalties) Ballkani
Larne vs Ballkani Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Ballkani to win
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes
