The New Saints vs Shkendija Predictions, Lineups and Betting Tips

Match Details: July 8th, 2025 | Park Hall | UEFA Champions League Qualification | 19:00 GMT

The battle for UEFA Champions League football gets under way on Tuesday, as countless hopefuls look to cement their spot in the competition proper through the extremely competitive qualification play-offs.

Welsh champions The New Saints (TNS) host the champions of North Macedonia in KF Shkendija in the first round of qualification, with the clash set to be settled over two legs.

Key Betting Tip: A draw at odds of 3.34 represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our in-house tipsters.

The New Saints vs KF Shkendija Predicted Lineups

The New Saints Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Connor Roberts (GK); Daniel Redmond, Jack Bodenham, Harrison McGahey, Josh Pask; Daniel Williams, Leo Smith; Ryan Brobbellm Rory Holden, Adam Wilson; Zack Clarke.

Due to the lack of matches with accessible starting eleven’s, we have decided to mirror the same team that was put out for TNS most recent league win, a 3-1 victory over Haverfordwest.

Front men Wilson, Brobbell and Clarke all got on the scoresheet in that game, while full backs Redmond and Pask ran the show, bombing up and down their respective flanks, with Redmond notching an assist.

With no major injuries or suspensions to speak of, TNS should have a clean bill of health, making it easy to select their strongest team ahead of this one.

KF Shkendija Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Astrit Amzai (GK); Numan Ajetovikj, Imran Fetai, Anes Meliqi, Mevlan Murati; Kamer Qaka, Amir Nuhija; Vane Krstevski, Florent Ramadani, Fabrice Tamba; Fiton Ademi.

Similarly to TNS, there is very little in the way of an accessible starting eleven for Shkendija, so we have selected the eleven that started against Arges Pitesti in mid-June, a game which saw winger Fabrice Tamba net an 89th minute winner in a club friendly.

Winning their league by three points despite losing on the final day, Shkendija are the most troubling opposition North Macedonia can produce, and with their formation matching that of TNS, it will be a fascinating man to man battle.

They will have to deal without Reshat Ramadani, who departed the club for Dynamo Kiev at the end of last month due to his loan deal reaching its conclusion.

The New Saints vs KF Shkendija Current League Standings

With both sides currently in the middle of their off season, both lie on zero points as they wait for the new campaign to kick-off.

However, both were champions of their respective nations last season, and will have a point to prove against each other - in a battle of Wales’ best against Macedonia’s best, there is a lot on the line, not to mention that a spot in the second round of the Champions League qualification round is up for grabs.

Despite playing a season that schedules one fewer game, TNS actually finished last campaign on 78 points, eight more than Shkendija’s 70. Though it is hard to say how Welsh football matches up to that in Macedonia, the points difference will give TNS a subtle psychological advantage ahead of kick-off here.

The New Saints vs FK Shkendija Head to Head Timeline

Though an unusual fixture, the two sides have actually met once before, all the way back in 2018. Once again held in the Champions League qualification play-offs, it was a back and forth encounter that saw Shkendija scrape through to the next round after a 5-4 aggregate victory.

Recent Head to Head Results:

• July 2018: TNS 4-0 FK Shkendija.
• July 2018: FK Shkendija 5-0 TNS.

The first leg saw the New Saints dominate, Dean Ebbe, Daniel Redmond and Ben Cabango all netting in the first half, before Kurtis Byrne put the icing on the cake with a 90+6 finish.

However, Shkendija felt they had a score to settle in the second leg, and a relentless 90 minute onslaught remarkably saw them turn the scoreline in their favour by the 66th minute, thanks to a four goal masterclass by Besart Ibraimi, plus a singular goal from Izair Emini.

Recent TNS and FK Shkendija Match Analysis

Three of TNS last five games have been friendlies, while Shkendija have played four in their last five meaning there is limited information to be picked up ahead of this fixture. However, it appears both sides are playing near full strength teams, in order to get their strongest players match fit for this first competitive fixture of the new season.

TNS Last Five Games:

• Newtown 1-0 TNS (Club Friendly)
• Ayr 1-1 TNS (Club Friendly)
• Larne FC 2-2 TNS (Club Friendly)
• Connah’s Quay 1-2 TNS (FAW Welsh Cup Final)
• Haverfordwest 1-3 TNS (Cymru Premier)

TNS have failed to win any of their friendlies, drawing two (against Ayr and Larne FC), while losing to Newtown 1-0. Heavy favourites for all of these games, it seems there is a bit of a title winning hangover still affecting the team, one which they will need to shake off if they want to avoid a repeat of their last meeting with the Macedonian side.

FK Shkendija Last Five Games:

• Shkendija 2-1 Dinamo City (Club Friendly)
• CSKA Sofia 1-1 Shkendija (Club Friendly)
• Koper 4-0 Shkendija (Club Friendly)
• Shkendija 1-0 Arges Pitesti (Club Friendly)
• Shkendija 1-3 Sileks (First Macedonian Football League)

Meanwhile, Shkendija have had better luck in their friendlies, winning two, drawing one and losing one. However, their defeat, which came against Koper, saw them concede three goals despite their opponent going a man down after 40 minutes.

Conceding three goals with an extra man on the pitch is an accolade every team wants to avoid, and this type of pre-season result does not bode well for their Champions League hopes.

The New Saints vs FK Shkendija Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyzes over 200 data points to generate the prediction that the game between TNS and Shkendija will see both teams score, as they play to a stalemate pulsating 2-2 draw. The model factors current form, head to head records, player availability and tactical matchups.

The New Saints vs FK Shkendija Betting Tip

Football Park’s Best Bet: Both Teams to Score - Although TNS are a better know side, Shkendija have already proved they are capable of beating them after the result seven years ago, and they will be looking to repeat history here.

Key Players to Watch: The New Saints vs FK Shkendija

Daniel Redmond (TNS): The tempo setter for the New Saints, Redmond will play a vital role in how this clash ends. Dictating play from deep, he has an eye for a long pass, giving him the ability to unlock an opposition in an instant.

Besart Ibraimi (FK Shkendija): The man who mowed down TNS when they met in 2018, Ibraimi may be getting on age - at 38 years old, he is no spring chicken. However, his prior experience in this fixture will be absolutely crucial here, and his side will turn to him if they find themselves a goal down.

The New Saints vs FK Shkendija Match Facts

Broadcast Details:

UK: BBC iPlayer

Europe: Various regional broadcasters.

Global: FIFA+ (Selected Territories)

Stadium Details: This game, the first leg, will be hosted at Park Hall, TNS’ home ground. The, which is unusually located in England, outside of the home clubs home territory, can hold up to 3000 fans, and after renovation in 2023, it is effectively a brand new stadium, featuring all the latest modern developments and facilities for both players and fans.