Connah's Quay vs FC Ballkani prediction 08.07.2026 | Conference League Qualifiers

Connah's Quay Nomads finished 2nd last season in the domestic league, but not too close to the top as TNS left them 22 points behind! This team has had pretty bad qualifiers throughout its history, having already participated in eight Qualifiers. However, they were atrocious in most of them, only reaching the 2nd round on three occasions. Interestingly, they got knocked out in that round by three Balkan teams - Vojvodina, Partizan, and Prishtina. Judging from their performances in the Qualifiers, the bookies are right to give them such small chances to advance. 

Before the FC Ballkani game, coach John Disney spoke to the media about the Qualifiers. The coach expects a difficult challenge against experienced European opposition. However, he is optimistic despite Ballkani being big favorites, and said that the players should embrace the occasion rather than fear it. 

FC Ballkani, a three-time Kosovan champion, blew its chance of another title last year. They finished 3rd, but only because of a terrible final stretch, losing four of the last five games. 

When it comes to Europe, this team has secured two Group Stages in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, but both times finished 4th in their Group. However, their main objective is to qualify for the main phase, and we believe this first obstacle shouldn't pose too much of a threat. 

In terms of transfers, we believe they got slightly worse as Queven, Geralb Smajli, Artan Iljazi, and Almir Kryeziu left the club and were really important parts of the rotation last year. Moreover, goalkeeper Enea Kolici retired. On the other hand, six new players arrived, with Erlis Xhemajli probably being the best among them.