Shkendija vs Qarabag FK: football previews & free football betting tips, 5th August 2025

⚽ Shkendija vs Qarabag FK: football previews & free football betting tips, 5th August 2025

Introduction

Shkendija welcome Qarabag FK to the Ecolog Arena in Tetovo on 5th August 2025 for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie. It’s the first-ever meeting between the North Macedonian champions and Azerbaijani heavyweights.

🏥 Team News

Shkendija

• No significant injuries or suspensions reported; manager expected to field a strong squad with little rotation.
• Striker Besart Ibraimi (club legend and current all‑time top scorer) is likely to lead the line. 

Qarabag FK

• Goalkeeper Shakhruddin Magomedaliyev is back in the squad after rejoining the club in 2024 and looks set to start between the sticks. 
• Defenders Elvin Cafarguliyev and emerging winger Nariman Akhundzade are available and expected to feature. 

📊 Form

• Shkendija are unbeaten in all four Champions League qualifier games so far this season (3 wins, 1 draw), building momentum from victories over The New Saints and FCSB. Only one defeat in their last seven European home ties. 
• Qarabag boast three wins in six matches this UCL qualifying campaign, including a 4–0 aggregate success over Shelbourne. They’ve kept consecutive clean sheets and have experience of European knockout football. 
• Head-to-head: No prior meetings—this is their inaugural clash. 

⚔️ Attack vs Defence

• Shkendija average approximately 3.0 goals scored per game and concede about 1.0, among four UCL qualifying games. Their home matches have seen both teams score in 50% of cases. 
• Qarabag average around 1.3 goals scored per match and 1.1 conceded, with a goal difference of +12 across ten recent matches. Both teams scored in only about one-third of their away fixtures. 

🎯 Players to Watch

Shkendija

• Besart Ibraimi: legendary striker, all-time top scorer in North Macedonian league and firm focus in attack. 
• Fabrice Tamba: dynamic forward in recent European matches, adding rhythm and goal threat. 

Qarabag FK

• Leandro Andrade: key midfield attacker, influential in the tie against Shelbourne and known for decisive goals. 
• Nariman Akhundzade: breakout winger who scored vital goals in recent European knockout wins. 

🧠 KickTheBookies Prediction

Predicted Score: Shkendija 1–1 Qarabag FK

Expect a balanced, tactical tie. Shkendija’s home confidence meets Qarabag’s positional discipline and continental experience. Likely a draw with both sides finding the net.

Why this prediction:

• Qarabag have a strong record against Macedonian opposition; Shkendija’s home advantage may neutralise it, leading to a stalemate. 
• Recent results show both teams tending to low-scoring UCL qualifiers and few clean sheets, with many matches ending over 2.5 goals but not one-sided. 
• Tactical setups suggest cautious attacking—with Shkendija compact at home and Qarabag organised on the road—the match is likely tight and strategic. 

💡 Betting Tips

• Main Tip: Draw in 90 minutes
• Goal Market: Under 2.5 goals
• Both Teams to Score: Yes (tight but open enough for one goal each)

Back under 2.5 goals at odds of 20/21 with AK Bets (an excellent new bookmaker, plus get a sign up bonus up to £100 by clicking our link)

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