Egnatia arrive at Arena Egnatia riding a wave of continental confidence after that thumping 5-1 demolition of Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League. Five wins in their last ten across all competitions, unbeaten in five at home in Albania — this is a side that has found a rhythm and a belief. They are patient in build-up, compact when they need to be, and then they snap into action on the break. That 5-1 scoreline wasn't a fluke; it was a statement. But here's the thing — that was Shamrock, a side they were expected to beat. Lillestrom are a different animal entirely.

The Norwegians come in off a 0-2 home defeat to Rosenborg, and that result stings. It's the kind of result that leaves a mark, especially when you're trying to build momentum in a European qualifier. But context matters. Lillestrom are a well-established Eliteserien outfit, better on paper than their Albanian hosts, and their poor recent form is exactly the kind of thing that can flip in a single European night. They've got quality in the squad, and they know how to manage a two-legged tie. The market has them as favourites at 2.2, and we agree — this is a side that can go to a hostile Balkan ground and get a result.