Shkendija vs Samsunspor Prediction & Betting Tips (19 February)

Shkendija’s clash with Samsunspor in the Conference League knockout play-off arrives at a moment when both clubs feel they have something to prove after contrasting recent runs. The North Macedonian side has quietly built a reputation for resilience, especially at home, where they have strung together a series of clean sheets that boosted confidence heading into February 2026. Samsunspor, meanwhile, step into Europe’s spotlight after a busy domestic schedule in Turkey, juggling league, cup, and Super Cup commitments. This first leg therefore feels like a genuine test of depth, mentality, and adaptability for both squads.

For Shkendija, the last stretch of 2025 was a rollercoaster that still underlines their competitive edge. They closed the league phase with a narrow away defeat to AEK Larnaca, decided by a 1-0 scoreline, but immediately reminded everyone of their quality by beating Slovan Bratislava 2-0 at home. Around those European nights, they claimed domestic wins over Bashkimi Kumanovo and Rabotnicki, showing they can manage multiple fronts. Even the tight loss away to Drita, again by 1-0, reinforced the idea that Shkendija rarely get blown away, instead staying competitive in almost every fixture.

Samsunspor’s recent story has been shaped by high-scoring drama and stern examinations against top opposition. In the Turkish Cup, they produced a statement performance with a 6-2 victory over Aliağa FK, underlining their attacking potential and squad depth. That was followed by a demanding Super Kupa meeting with Fenerbahce, where they fell by a 2-0 margin but gained valuable experience against elite opposition. Just before the turn of the year, they edged Eyupspor 2-1 in another cup tie, showing they can grind out results when needed. With additional preparation games, including a notable friendly against Mainz, Samsunspor arrive in Europe battle-tested and tactically flexible.

All of this recent form and news from the past couple of months points toward a finely balanced encounter, but one where small details could tilt the tie. Shkendija’s home defensive record and familiarity with knockout tension should keep them competitive throughout, yet Samsunspor’s blend of cup momentum and attacking variety suggests they may carve out the clearer chances over ninety minutes. Factoring in Shkendija’s tendency for tight scorelines and Samsunspor’s knack for decisive away moments, our preview leans toward a narrow away success, with a predicted correct score of 1 : 2 in favour of the Turkish s