Botosani vs Shkendija Match Preview

Shkendija is one of the rising teams in the region (Balkan States). They have invested a lot bying all best players from their domestic league (North Macedonia) and also some others from Croatian Rijeka and Slobenian Maribor.

In the previous round of the UEFA Europa League qualifiers they faced Sumqayit from Azerbaijan on the road and qualified easily (0-2), dominating the whole game. Experienced attacker B. Ibraimi is the star of the team, his presence in Shkendija’s frontline is almost a guarantie for goals.

On the other hand, Botosani is not in the top level of the Romanian football. Actually they have never won even a domestic title. Last season they finished 4th in the league, 17 below champions Cluj, winning a European spot for the first time after 5 years.

In the previous round they played against Ordabasy from Kazakhstan and won 1-2 on the road, without being the best side on the pitch.

I think that the odds are not representing the truth in this one. I rate Shkendija as a better side than Botosani and provided that the match will be played behing closed doors, I give to the away team better chances to qualify. The odds for the away win are juicy and I will definitey give them a try.