UE Santa Coloma vs Ballkani Prediction: Gabriels can take lead back to Kosovo

The Champions League first qualifying round gets underway on Tuesday and Kosovan outfit Ballkani will be expected to claim a first-leg advantage when they travel to the Estadi Nacional to face Andorran side UE Santa Coloma.

Read on for my UE Santa Coloma vs Ballkani prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Ballkani finished seven points clear of second-placed KF Llapi in the Kosovo Superliga last season but they failed to win either of their friendlies last month, being held to a 2-2 draw by fellow Superliga side Malisheva before a 2-0 defeat to Tikves of North Macedonia.

Santa Coloma achieved the league and cup double last season in Andorra and finished three points ahead of runners-up Inter Escaldes, losing just one league match all term.

Football Odds

Team News

Home boss Ramon Caldere could look to hand debuts to several signings already made this summer, including centre-back Pablo Lluch and forward Victor Tellado.

Last season's top scorer for the Esquirols, Karim L'Koucha, should be fit enough to feature in some capacity and will be looking to score only Santa Coloma's fifth-ever European goal.

Ballkani coach Ilir Daja has been busy in the transfer market, with as many as nine players brought into the squad.

The likes of winger Giovanni, striker Sunday Adetunji and left-back Marsel Ismajlgeci have all joined the Suhareka club on permanent deals and could all be in line to play a part on Tuesday.

UE Santa Coloma vs Ballkani Odds

Ballkani are 4/7 favourites for a first leg victory to help them on their way to a second round meeting with Midtjylland, whereas Santa Coloma are at 4/1 to claim their first ever European win.

The draw is available at 11/4, while both teams finding the back of the net provides odds of 4/5.

Ballkani to win to nil @ 8/5

Ballkani have featured in the group stages of European competitions in each of the last two seasons (both in the Europa Conference League) and are expected to use that experience to their advantage against a Santa Coloma side that have lost every UEFA qualifier that they have ever played.

Not only have they failed to secure at least a draw, but the Squirrels have only netted four goals in qualifying matches - the last of which came in a 4-1 Conference League first round qualifier defeat to Breidablik of Iceland - and the Andorrans could struggle to find the net again.

Over 2.5 goals @ 4/5

Four of Ballkani's last six matches (including friendlies) have seen at least three goals scored and a repeat feat could be in store on Tuesday.

Each of Ballkani's five away victories in qualifying matches have seen winners in this market while five of Santa Coloma's last eight in Europe have also provided a minimum of three strikes.

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