Shkendija vs The New Saints Prediction: Welsh side to keep it tight

Welsh outfit The New Saints are headed for Skopje and a second-leg showdown with KF Shkendija in their Champions League First qualifying round tie with neither side having been able to break the deadlock in the first leg.

The New Saints manager Craig Harrison admits that his side will have to cope with the warm conditions if they are to progress. Shkendija's home record, allied to poor travelling form from the Welsh side, ensures Harrison and his charges are up against it on paper on Tuesday (19:00, BBC iPlayer).

Below you can read my Shkendija vs The New Saints predictions, featuring team news and more.

Team News

Fiton Ademi was replaced at the break last week but should retain his spot in the Shkendija starting XI.

Playmaker Endrit Krasniqi could be vital to their hopes of progress, while veteran forward and club captain Besart Ibraimi is likely to start on the bench.

The New Saints are likely to be without full back Leo Smith after he was stretchered off during the first leg with a knee problem.

Rory Holden was also in the wars and went off late on. Former Brighton man Ben Wilson is likely to lead the line. 

Shkendija vs The New Saints Odds

Shkendija are favourites at 5/6 to get the second leg win in 90 minutes, while The New Saints can be backed at 3/1 and the draw is 23/10.

TNS are 13/8 to qualify for the next round, while both teams to score in North Macedonia is a 4/5 chance.

Draw @ 23/10

The first leg at Park Hall was a fairly uninspiring affair, with just seven shots on target from the two teams combined.

Summer arrival Ben Wilson spurned the best chance for the home side as the former Brighton frontman was foiled by goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye.

The New Saints have lost five of their last six away games in Europe but boss Harrison says they can draw on the experience of last season's draw away to Decic in Montenegro, played in similarly humid conditions to those forecast now.

Harrison believes his side will progress if they keep a clean sheet and that will be the primary aim in what could be another game of limited chances. It could need extra time to separate the teams.

Under 2.5 goals @ 4/5

Given the lack of chances in Wales, a goal-fest seems improbable, especially with TNS placing the emphasis on a clean sheet.

TNS played six games in the Conference League group-stage last season, with just 15 goals scored, and four of those contests came in at under 2.5 goals, including games against Fiorentina and Panathinaikos.

The experience garnered in that historic group-stage participation ought to be vital now.

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