The Europa League Qualifying round features an exciting matchup between KI Klaksvik and Borac Banja Luka.
This first leg tie, taking place at Torsvollur, is crucial for both teams aiming to make their mark in European competitions. Here’s a detailed look at the prediction, team news, form, and more.
Match Preview
KI Klaksvik's European Ambitions
KI Klaksvik made history in the 2023-24 season by becoming the first team from the Faroe Islands to qualify for the main stages of a European competition.
They played in the Europa Conference League, competing against teams like Lille and Slovan Bratislava.
This year, under caretaker boss Espen Haug, they aim to go further in the Europa League.
Borac Banja Luka's Quest
Borac Banja Luka, on the other hand, hasn't reached the main stages of a European competition since the 1988-89 Cup Winners' Cup.
Under the guidance of Mladen Zizovic, the team has shown resilience, notably in their close Champions League tie against PAOK, which they lost 4-2 on aggregate.
Despite this, they are determined to make an impact in the Europa League.
Form Guide
KI Klaksvik
KI Klaksvik enters this match with a mixed form.
They recently suffered a 6-4 aggregate loss to Malmo in the Champions League qualifiers but bounced back with a convincing 4-0 victory over 07 Vestur in the Faroese league.
Currently, they sit nine points behind the league leaders, Vikingur, having won 13 of their 17 matches.
Borac Banja Luka
Borac Banja Luka's form is also a mix of highs and lows. They have shown promise in their European outings despite their loss to PAOK.
Their domestic season is yet to start, but the competitive experience from their European matches will be beneficial.
Team News
KI Klaksvik
Espen Haug is likely to stick with the team that secured a 4-0 victory against 07 Vestur.
New arrival Kristoffer Odemarksbakken, who scored twice in that match, will be key, along with veteran forward Pall Klettskard.
Borac Banja Luka
Zizovic is expected to keep changes to a minimum.
Players like Damir Hrelja and Stojan Vranjes, who were influential against PAOK, will likely feature prominently.
Prediction
Given their recent form and European experience, KI Klaksvik holds a slight edge over Borac Banja Luka.
KI's home advantage and their previous season's exploits suggest they could come out on top in this tightly contested match.
Our Prediction: KI Klaksvik 2-1 Borac Banja Luka
Borac BL 
KÍ 
