Qarabag host Shkendija in Baku on Tuesday, August 12, for the second leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie, aiming to finish the job after last week’s 1-0 first-leg win.
Check out our Qarabag vs Shkendija prediction, including correct score, line ups and key statistics.
Qarabag vs Shkendija prediction: Hosts to extend dominance
Key stats
- Qarabag have often performed well against teams from North Macedonia, recording five wins and a draw in six such games.
- Qarabag are yet to concede a goal in the Champions League qualifiers this season.
- The last time Shkendija were at this stage in 2018-19, they lost 4-0 aggregate against Red Bull Salzburg.
Correct score prediction: Qarabag 1-0 Shkendija
Qarabag head into the return leg against Shkendija with a narrow advantage from the first meeting and the confidence of having kept clean sheets in all three of their Champions League qualifying matches this season.
The first leg was an open contest, with Qarabag edging possession despite managing one fewer shot on target.
Delivering such a competitive display away from home should give them extra belief in Baku, where their defensive solidity and home support could be enough to secure another tight, hard-fought victory.
After reviewing our key Qarabag vs Shkendija predictions, do not forget to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The hosts are overwhelming favourites here
- Qarabag FK: 2/7 (1.29) – 77.8%
- Draw: 9/2 – (5.50) – 18.2%
- Shkendija: 9/1 (10.00) – 10%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Qarabag are heavy favourites, with a win probability of around 77.8%, while Shkendija are big outsiders with an implied probability of about 10%.
For more from the upcoming matches, today’s free football betting tips look at some of the best picks.
Contents
Most recent H2Hs: The hosts looking to maintain perfect record
Qarabag’s win in the first leg was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. They have a great record against teams from North Macedonia and will be confident of making it two wins from two.
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 05/08/25
Shkendija Tetovo
FK Qarabag
Qarabag preview: The hosts are cautiously optimistic
While Qarabag will take confidence from their narrow first-leg advantage and defensive solidity in this season’s qualifiers, their recent home record in the Champions League serves as a reminder to stay grounded.
They have suffered defeats in two of their last three matches in Baku at this level, including a 2-1 loss to Ludogorets at this very stage and a heavy 3-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in last season’s qualifying round. Avoiding similar setbacks will be key to sealing progress this time.
Predicted lineup: Buntic (GK), Bayramov, Medina, Mustafazada, Silva, Bicalho, Kady, Andrade, Addai, Zoubir & Akhundzade
UEFA Europa League 30/01/25
L
Olympiakos
3
FK Qarabag
0
Azerbaijan Premier League 26/01/25
L
PFK Turan Tovuz
2
FK Qarabag
1
UEFA Europa League 23/01/25
L
FCSB
3
FK Qarabag
2
Azerbaijan Premier League 17/01/25
W
Shamakhi FK
2
FK Qarabag
3
Azerbaijan Premier League 22/12/24
W
Araz FK
0
FK Qarabag
2
Shkendija preview: Hoping to carry momentum from weekend win
Shkendija kicked off their domestic title defence in emphatic fashion at the weekend, sweeping aside Shkupi with a dominant 5-1 victory on home soil.
That performance underlined their attacking potential, with the front line showing sharpness and confidence in front of goal.
However, the real test now comes in Baku, where they must replicate that same level of intensity and creativity against a disciplined Qarabag side if they are to overturn the first-leg deficit and keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.
Predicted lineup: Gaye (GK), Trumci, Cake, Fetai, Webster, Alhassan, Ramdani, Tamba, Krasniqi, Latifi & Ibraimi
Europe Friendlies 25/06/25
D
CSKA Sofia
1
Shkendija Tetovo
1
Europe Friendlies 21/06/25
L
FC Koper
4
Shkendija Tetovo
0
Club Friendly List 17/06/25
W
FC Arges Pitesti
0
Shkendija Tetovo
1
North Macedonia First League 17/05/25
L
FK Sileks
3
Shkendija Tetovo
1
North Macedonia First League 11/05/25
W
FK Gostivar
0
Shkendija Tetovo
3
Player to watch: Nariman Akhundzade
Nariman Akhundzade will lead Qarabag’s attack on Tuesday, carrying much of the scoring responsibility. Though he failed to score in the last two matches, he netted in the first leg of the last round.
With 12 goals in 41 appearances last season, the promising forward’s pace, movement, and finishing ability make him a constant danger in and around the opposition’s penalty area.
