Samsunspor vs Shkendija Prediction: Samsunspor will likely defeat Shkendija 2-0 in the second leg at Samsun 19 Mayis Stadyumu on February 26, 2026, securing a 3-0 aggregate victory to advance to the UEFA Conference League Round of 16, as the Turkish side holds a 1-0 first-leg advantage and maintains a strong home record with two 3-0 wins during the league phase, while Shkendija failed to score in all three away fixtures during the competition.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Conference League Playoff Round (Second Leg) |
| Date | Thursday, February 26, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 11:15 PM IST |
| Venue | Samsun 19 Mayis Stadyumu, Turkey |
| First Leg Result | Shkendija 0-1 Samsunspor |
| Aggregate Score | Samsunspor leads 1-0 |
Key Facts
- Samsunspor holds a 1-0 advantage from the first leg after Marius Mouandilmadji scored in the 77th minute in Skopje.
- The Turkish side finished 12th in the Conference League league phase with three wins, one draw, and two losses from their final three matches.
- Shkendija barely qualified for the playoff round, finishing 22nd with seven points and progressing only on superior goal difference.
- Samsunspor won their opening three Conference League matches without conceding a goal before form dropped significantly.
- Shkendija lost all three away fixtures in the league phase without scoring a single goal on the road.
- The Macedonian champions arrive with five consecutive domestic league victories, including three wins in 2026.
- Samsunspor appointed Thorsten Fink as manager after dismissing Thomas Reis due to inconsistent results.
- This marks Shkendija’s maiden appearance in the main draw of a major UEFA competition.
Samsunspor vs Shkendija Preview and Prediction
Samsunspor enters this second leg with confidence after securing a narrow victory in North Macedonia.
The Red Lightning demonstrated resilience under new manager Thorsten Fink, who replaced Thomas Reis following a concerning dip in form.
The Turkish outfit started their Conference League campaign impressively, winning three consecutive matches while maintaining a clean sheet.
However, they failed to win any of their final three league-phase fixtures, which forced them into the playoff round.
The home advantage should prove crucial for Samsunspor. Their record at Samsun 19 Mayis Stadyumu includes two commanding 3-0 victories during the league phase, with their only home defeat coming as a narrow 2-1 loss to AEK Athens.
This strong home form suggests they possess the defensive organization and attacking threat needed to protect their slender lead.
Shkendija faces a monumental challenge. The reigning Macedonian champions struggled badly on their travels throughout the league phase, failing to find the net in three away matches.
Their 22nd-place finish highlighted their difficulties at this level, though they showed character by qualifying on goal difference.
Manager Jeton Beqiri must inspire his team to overcome their poor away record and produce a historic result.
The visitors arrive with momentum from domestic competition. Five consecutive league victories, including Arbin Zejnullai’s dramatic 89th-minute winner last weekend, demonstrate their ability to find crucial goals.
This confidence could prove vital as they attempt to overturn the deficit and progress to the last 16.
Team Injuries and Absences
Samsunspor Injuries
The Turkish side faces several significant absences.
Bedirhan Cetin and Tanguy Coulibaly remain sidelined with knee injuries that continue to keep them out of contention.
Afonso Sousa continues his recovery from an ankle problem and will not feature.
Emre Kilinc suffers from a calf tear, while Tahsin Bulbul and Elayis Tavsan are also expected to miss the contest.
These absences limit Fink’s options, particularly in attacking areas where Coulibaly and Tavsan would normally provide width and creativity.
The loss of Sousa in midfield reduces their ability to control possession in central areas.
Shkendija Injuries
Shkendija enjoys a much healthier squad situation.
Liridon Latifi and Aleksander Trumci return from suspension after missing the first leg, providing a significant boost to Beqiri’s selection options.
The team has no major injury concerns, allowing the manager to field his strongest available lineup.
The return of Latifi and Trumci strengthens Shkendija’s midfield and defensive options, giving them better balance as they chase the game.
Key Players Who Could Impact the Match
Marius Mouandilmadji (Samsunspor)
The striker scored the crucial first-leg goal and leads Samsunspor’s attacking line. His physical presence and ability to hold up play make him central to their counter-attacking strategy.
Mouandilmadji’s movement in the penalty area creates space for teammates and poses constant problems for opposition defenders.
Olivier Ntcham (Samsunspor)
The experienced midfielder provides composure and technical quality in central areas.
His ability to control tempo and distribute possession helps Samsunspor manage games effectively. Ntcham’s defensive awareness will prove crucial in protecting the lead.
Besart Ibraimi (Shkendija)
The veteran striker must lead Shkendija’s attacking efforts despite failing to score in this season’s competition.
His experience in crucial matches and ability to create chances for teammates make him vital to their hopes of progression.
Arbin Zejnullai (Shkendija)
The midfielder scored the dramatic late winner last weekend and arrives in excellent form.
His energy and forward runs from midfield provide Shkendija with an additional attacking dimension. Zejnullai’s ability to arrive late in the penalty area could prove decisive.
Predicted Samsunspor vs Shkendija Lineups
Samsunspor Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Okan Kocuk
- Defenders: Zeki Yavru, Satka, Rick van Drongelen, Mads Tomasson
- Midfielders: Samba Makoumbou, Olivier Ntcham
- Attacking Midfielders: Kingsley Assoumou, Mads Holse, Nuno Mendes
- Striker: Moussa Ndiaye
Shkendija Predicted Starting XI (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Davy Gaye
- Defenders: Murati, Fetai, Meljichi, Webster
- Midfielders: Ramadani, Alhassan, Spahiu, Arbin Zejnullai (with Tamba potentially in midfield)
- Strikers: Besart Ibraimi (leading the line with another forward)
Note: Shkendija benefits from the return of Liridon Latifi and Aleksander Trumci from suspension, who are expected to feature in the starting lineup or provide options from the bench.
Tactical Analysis
Samsunspor typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes defensive solidity and quick transitions.
The two holding midfielders provide protection for the back four, while the attacking midfielder and wingers support the lone striker.
This setup allows them to absorb pressure and exploit spaces on the counter-attack.
Shkendija favors a 4-4-2 formation that relies on width and direct play. The two strikers work in tandem to press defenders and create chances, while the wide midfielders provide service from the flanks.
This approach requires high energy levels and disciplined positioning to maintain defensive shape.
The tactical battle centers on whether Shkendija can break down Samsunspor’s organized defense.
The visitors must push forward to score at least twice, which creates spaces for Samsunspor to exploit on the break.
Fink’s team will likely sit deeper and invite pressure, trusting their defensive structure to withstand Shkendija’s attacks.
Where to Watch Live?
India: tabii
Turkey: TRT 1, Digiturk Play, tabii
United Kingdom: discovery+, discovery+ App
United States: Paramount+, ViX
Germany: RTL+
Spain: Movistar+, Movistar Liga de Campeones 9
France: myCANAL, Canal+ Live 10
Italy: Available on tabii
Australia: Stan Sport
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar): beIN Sports Arabia 8
Head-to-Head Analysis and Statistics
The teams met for the first time in the first leg, which Samsunspor won 1-0. This represents their only previous encounter, making historical comparison limited.
However, their respective Conference League campaigns provide insight into their quality levels.
Samsunspor Conference League Record: 3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses (10 points, 12th place)
- Goals scored: 10
- Goals conceded: 6
- Home record: 2 wins, 1 loss
Shkendija Conference League Record: 2 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses (7 points, 22nd place)
- Goals scored: 4
- Goals conceded: 5
- Away record: 0 wins, 3 losses, 0 goals scored
The statistics heavily favor Samsunspor. Their superior goal-scoring record and defensive stability contrast sharply with Shkendija’s struggles, particularly away from home.
The Macedonian side’s inability to score in any away fixture represents their biggest obstacle.
Current Standings
UEFA Conference League Playoff Round
Samsunspor currently leads the tie 1-0 on aggregate. The winner progresses to the Round of 16, while the loser exits the competition.
Domestic Form:
- Samsunspor: Drew 0-0 with bottom-placed Fatih Karagumruk, lost 3-1 to Antalyaspor, lost 3-0 to Trabzonspor
- Shkendija: Won five consecutive matches in the Macedonian First League, scoring 12 goals
Samsunspor vs Shkendija Prediction
Samsunspor holds significant advantages entering this second leg. Their strong home record in the Conference League, combined with Shkendija’s complete failure to score away from home, suggests the Turkish side should progress comfortably.
The visitors must score at least twice while preventing Samsunspor from adding to their aggregate lead, which represents an enormous challenge given their away form.
Shkendija’s recent domestic momentum provides some hope, but the step up in quality from Macedonian league opposition to European competition remains substantial.
Their return of suspended players strengthens their squad, yet overcoming both the deficit and their away scoring drought appears beyond their capabilities.
Predicted Score: Samsunspor 2-0 Shkendija (Samsunspor wins 3-0 on aggregate)
The home side should control proceedings, using their defensive organization to frustrate Shkendija before exploiting spaces on the counter-attack.
Mouandilmadji’s physical presence and the creativity of supporting attackers should create enough chances to secure victory.
Shkendija’s need to push forward will leave them vulnerable to quick transitions, allowing Samsunspor to add to their aggregate advantage and book their place in the last 16.
Also Read Genk vs Dinamo Zagreb Prediction.
FAQs
Where To Watch Samsunspor vs Shkendija Live?
Fans can watch Samsunspor vs Shkendija live on tabii in India, while viewers in Turkey can access the match on TRT 1, Digiturk Play, and tabii, and international audiences can stream through Paramount+ in the United States, discovery+ in the United Kingdom, Stan Sport in Australia, beIN Sports Arabia 8 in Middle Eastern countries, RTL+ in Germany, and Movistar+ in Spain on February 26, 2026.
Who Will Win Samsunspor vs Shkendija Match?
Samsunspor will likely win the match because they hold a 1-0 first-leg advantage, won two home games 3-0 during the Conference League league phase, and face a Shkendija side that failed to score in all three away fixtures during the competition, making the Turkish team strong favorites to progress to the Round of 16.
What is Samsunspor vs Shkendija Match Kick-Off Time?
The Samsunspor vs Shkendija UEFA Conference League playoff second leg kicks off at 11:15 PM IST (Indian Standard Time) on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Samsun 19 Mayis Stadyumu in Turkey.
Are There Any Injuries in Samsunspor vs Shkendija Match?
Samsunspor will miss six players through injuries including Bedirhan Cetin and Tanguy Coulibaly (knee injuries), Afonso Sousa (ankle problem), Emre Kilinc (calf tear), Tahsin Bulbul, and Elayis Tavsan, while Shkendija has no injury concerns and welcomes back Liridon Latifi and Aleksander Trumci from suspension, giving the visitors a fully fit squad for the crucial second leg.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Samsunspor vs Shkendija Match?
Samsunspor is predicted to win 2-0 against Shkendija, which would result in a 3-0 aggregate victory based on their strong home record with two 3-0 wins during the league phase, Shkendija’s failure to score in three away matches, and the Turkish side’s defensive organization under new manager Thorsten Fink.
Shkendija Standing with Points?
Shkendija finished 22nd in the UEFA Conference League league phase with 7 points from two wins, one draw, and three losses, scoring four goals and conceding five, and they qualified for the playoff round only through superior goal difference over teams below them.
Samsunspor Standing With Points?
Samsunspor finished 12th in the UEFA Conference League league phase with 10 points from three wins, one draw, and two losses, scoring 10 goals and conceding six, after winning their opening three matches before losing form in the final three fixtures.
