Lillestrøm vs Egnatia Rrogozhinë – News and Probable Lineups

Lillestrom will face Egnatia Rrogozhine in the second leg of their Europa League playoff tie on Thursday evening.

With the first leg ending in a goalless draw last week, the stage is set for a crucial encounter in Noruega.

Match overview

Lillestrom, having managed only one point out of a possible 12 in the Eliterserien, likely had concerns ahead of their trip to Albânia for the first leg.

Nevertheless, despite conceding nine goals during that stretch, the Norwegian side managed to maintain a clean sheet in a stalemate.

While Hans Erik Odegaard’s squad has now gone five matches without a win across all competitions, they have at least achieved draws in their last two games.

On the contrary, only two goals have been recorded during those five matches, and Lillestrom hasn’t scored more than twice in any competitive fixture since May 16.

Lillestrom are participating in main-stage European football for the first time since 2002-23, yet they are eager to advance to the more lucrative Europa League rather than settle for the Conference League.

In the meantime, Egnatia might see this matchup as a free hit, especially considering they have already ended Albânia’s lengthy nine-year wait for a club to reach the main stage of a European tournament.

Of course, Nevil Dede and his players will aspire to compete in the more significant fixtures of the Europa League if possible, but they would also have ambitions in the Conference League should they drop down into that competition.

Egnatia has already secured victories over Petrocub in the Champions League and Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League this summer, as well as enjoying a perfect start to their league campaign with a 3-0 win over Tirana at the weekend.

With just one loss in eight matches across all competitions since July 8, Egnatia will likely back themselves to pull off an upset away from home.

Team News

Following a reduction in goals conceded in their last two matches, Odegaard is expected to make minimal adjustments to his side.

Sturla Ottesen was preferred to Frederik Elkaer at left-back in the first leg and is likely to retain his spot for this encounter.

While Eric Kitolano made a brief substitute appearance after returning from a broken leg, he is anticipated to remain among the substitutes for this match.

On the other hand, Egnatia can call upon Edison Ndreca, who returns from a one-match suspension.

However, following Fernando Mederios’s injury during the final moments of the first leg, Ibrahim Diabate is expected to start in central midfield.

Lillestrom probable starting XI:

Dahlberg; Ranger, Foss, Gabrielsen, Ottesen; Ibrahimaj, Krygard, Nyheim; Paintsil, Gulbrandsen, Va

Egnatia Rrogozhine probable starting XI:

Dajsinani; Smajli, Bitri, Sota, Ndreca; Loukili, Alexi, Diabate; Albanian; Gruda, Adjessa

As both sides are likely satisfied with the outcome of the first leg, we anticipate a more attacking approach in this fixture. Although Egnatia has demonstrated their capability to compete against more formidable opponents recently, we lean towards Lillestrom to secure a victory at home in a closely contested match.