Prishtina vs Larne Prediction: Invermen unlikely to progress in Kosovo

Prishtina and Larne battled to a 0-0 draw in Ballymena last week and meet again in Kosovo in the second round of the Uefa Conference League qualifiers on Thursday (19:00 BST).

Below are my Prishtina vs Larne predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the encounter in Kosovo.

There were only 13 attempts at the Showgrounds, but the pair's recent fixtures suggest a more open affair at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, with the prize a third-round tie against Portuguese club CD Santa Clara or Croatian outfit NK Varazdin.

Prishtina beat Sheriff Tiraspol 2-1 at home in the Europa League a fortnight ago, while Larne also drew 0-0 at home against Auda before a 2-2 draw in Latvia and then winning on penalties.

The Invermen made the league phase of this competition last season, but this term's European run may come to an end against Arsim Thaqi's side, who tend to save their best performance for their home matches

Team News

Home boss Thaqi only made one substitution in Ballymena and may choose to stick with the same starting side for the return match.

Opposite number Nathan Rooney was more positive with his changes, and Matthew Ridley, Benji Magee and Kobei Moore will all hope for more minutes.

Prishtina vs Larne Odds

Prishtina are the 21/20 favourites to win on the night, with the draw 2/1 and Larne 5/2, or a 28.6% chance.

The hosts are 8/15 to qualify, and the Invermen are 11/8 to go through.

Prishtina to win @ 9/10

Prishtina are the favourites to win on the night and should justify their price.

They have already beaten better opposition at home, triumphing 2-1 against Sheriff Tiraspol on their way to being eliminated from the Europa League.

Larne made the league phase of last season's Conference League and will have similar ambitions this time around.

Today's Football Fixtures

They showed real determination to overcome Auda on penalties in the last round and, after failing to truly impose themselves at home, may show more optimism at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri with defender Tomas Cosgrove declaring his team must "have a bit more belief”.

That could open up opportunities for Prishtina, and they can take advantage.

Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4

That 2-1 win over Sheriff was one of five in Prishtina's last seven home games that have featured over 2.5 goals.

Both teams to score has also been a regular feature in Larne's matches, landing in six of their last seven away, but at 1/1, it is a lower price than over 2.5.

Going for three or more goals in Thursday's fixture feels a sensible selection when reiterating the home side's victory over the Moldovan champions and the Invermen's recent 2-2 draw in Latvia.

Cosgrove's comments also add to the possibility that they could leave the back door open.

Offers

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