After losing 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League first qualifying round tie, Lincoln Red Imps will be aiming to produce an almighty comeback at home to Shkupi this Tuesday.
The visitors, meanwhile, have one foot in the second round of qualifying, and they will be looking to see out on the tie in Gibraltar.
Match preview
© Reuters
Lincoln Red Imps have won two of their previous three first round ties in Champions League qualifying, but they have a mountain to climb to win this time around.
The champions of Gibraltar champions experienced a disastrous trip to North Macedonia last Tuesday, suffering a 3-0 defeat in the first leg.
As a result of the defeat, Lincoln Red Imps saw a 17-game run in all competitions come to an end, as they suffered their first competitive defeat since December 2021.
With a remarkable comeback required on Tuesday, Mick McElwee's side will draw inspiration from the fact that they have won nine of their previous 10 home matches.
They can also take confidence from the home leg of their first round tie in last year's edition of the Champions League, which resulted in Lincoln Red Imps beating Fola Esch 5-0 on that occasion.
Meanwhile, Shkupi may feel that the hard work has already been done after thrashing Lincoln Red Imps in the first leg to gain the upper hand in the tie.
They took a two-goal lead into half time in the home leg, with Mamadou Danfa and Sunday Adetunji grabbing a goal apiece for the hosts.
Gagi Margvelashili may have feared that he presented Lincoln Red Imps with a chance to mount a fightback when he was sent off for a second bookable offence, but a Scott Wiseman own goal dented any hopes of the Gibraltar champions picking up a positive result.
After making their Champions League debut last week, Shkupi will now prepare for their first away game in the competition.
Although they have not played an away match in Europe's elite club competition, the North Macedonian champions have never lost a European away game by three goals or more, suggesting history is on their side ahead of the second leg.
- L
- W
Team News
Following a disappointing performance in North Macedonia last Tuesday, Lincoln Red Imps could make a couple of changes to the starting lineup.
After coming off the bench at half time in the first leg, Graeme Torilla may be given a starting opportunity and the 24-year-old could be joined by Kike Gomez, who is also in contention to start on Tuesday.
Liam Walker could drop back into central midfield, while Juanfri is expected to retain his place in the frontline.
As for the visitors, they will be forced into one change, with Margvelashvili set to serve a one-match suspension following his red card last week.
Margvelashvili is expected to be replaced by Melos Bajrami, who will partner Faustin Senghor in the centre of defence.
Danfa and Adetunji will retain their places in the front three after grabbing a goal apiece in the 3-0 first leg victory.
Lincoln Red Imps possible starting lineup:
Coleing; Wiseman, Chipolina, Lopes, Britto; Torilla, Walker, Yahaya; Juanfri, Nano, Gomez
Shkupi possible starting lineup:
Naumovski; Brdarovski, Senghor, Bajrami, Sheji; Queven, Hamidi, Alvarez; Cephas, Danfa, Adetunji
We say: Lincoln Red Imps 1-2 Shkupi
Lincoln Red Imps will need to take risks as they look to turn around a three-goal deficit, but we think that Shkupi will take advantage of any gaps left in behind the home defence to claim a narrow victory and subsequently book their place in the second round of qualifying.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
