Conference League
2026-02-26 - Samsunspor vs KF Shkendija
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Football; UEFA Conference League Playoffs – 2nd Leg
Samsun Yeni 19 Mayıs Stadium – Samsun, Turkey
Thursday, 26th February 2026 - kickoff 18:45 CET
Samsunspor
Samsunspor took a valuable 1-0 lead into this second leg after a tough away win against KF Shkendija in the first leg, with substitute Marius Mouandilmadji scoring the decisive goal late. That result gives them control going back to Turkey, where home support and familiarity with conditions could be decisive.
In general, Samsunspor have shown they can compete well in European knockout ties and have momentum on their side. Coming into this with an aggregate advantage means they can approach the game with a slight tactical freedom — able to press early or sit in and absorb depending on how the match unfolds.
KF Shkendija
Shkendija are heading into this second leg chasing the tie after losing the first leg in N.Macedonia, where they did not have a single shot on target throughout the whole match.
They normally set up with a compact defensive structure and look to hit on the break, but traveling to Turkey and chasing a deficit is never easy — especially in hostile conditions. Their experience in Europe is scarcer at this stage compared to Samsunspor’s, and conceding away means they now must score at least once while hoping to keep a clean sheet.
Despite being no strangers to European qualifiers, Shkendija typically aren’t as battle-hardened as sides from stronger leagues when it comes to knockout pressure.
The Betting Verdict
Samsunspor hold the advantage and are likely to control the tie in front of a home crowd, while Shkendija must take risks to try to overturn the aggregate.
This setup could open the game up, but Samsunspor should have the edge in composure and ball control.
Samsunspor should win and progress, with both teams to score also likely. Goals are what I am going for here, so back over 2.5 goals at good odds.
The Pick :
Samsunspor 2-1 KF Shkendija
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take over 2.5 goals at odds of 1.73 at BetFred
