Lillestrøm and Egnatia Rrogozhinë meet in Norway on Thursday evening with a place in the Europa League league phase at stake.

There is nothing separating the teams following last week’s goalless draw in Albania, although Lillestrøm will hope that home advantage can help them overcome an Egnatia side that has already produced several impressive results during its European campaign.

Lillestrøm

Lillestrøm travelled to Albania in poor form, making their clean sheet in the first leg a particularly welcome result. Hans Erik Ødegaard’s side had collected just one point from four Eliteserien matches before the trip and conceded nine goals during that run. Avoiding defeat therefore represented a significant improvement, even if their attacking problems continued.

The Norwegian side have now gone five matches without a victory in all competitions, although consecutive draws have at least stopped the run of defeats.

Goals remain the major concern. Lillestrøm have scored only twice across those five matches and have not managed more than two goals in a competitive fixture since the middle of May.

That lack of attacking production leaves little room for error on Thursday. The first goal could be particularly important, as falling behind would force a team already struggling in the final third to chase the game.

Whatever happens, Lillestrøm are guaranteed league-phase European football for the first time in more than two decades. Defeat would send them into the Conference League, but the opportunity to secure Europa League football represents a significant incentive.

Ødegaard is unlikely to make substantial changes following the defensive improvement of the last two games. Sturla Ottesen was preferred to Frederik Elkær at left-back in Albania and could retain his position.

Eric Kitolano is continuing his comeback after suffering a broken leg and has made brief substitute appearances, but another place on the bench appears most likely.

Egnatia Rrogozhinë

Egnatia may have been disappointed not to establish an advantage on home soil, but they travel to Norway with plenty of reasons for confidence.

The Albanian champions have lost only once in eight matches across all competitions since early July, with their European run including victories over Petrocub and Shamrock Rovers.

Their comeback against Shamrock was particularly impressive. After losing 3-1 in the first leg, Egnatia responded with a 5-1 home victory to secure their place in the Europa League playoffs.

They also began their domestic campaign in convincing fashion at the weekend, beating Tirana 3-0. While Lillestrøm have struggled for goals, Egnatia therefore arrive having rediscovered their attacking rhythm.

Nevil Dede’s side have already achieved something significant by guaranteeing Albania its first representative in the main stage of a UEFA competition for nine years. Losing this tie would send them into the Conference League, but reaching the Europa League would represent another major step forward.

Edison Ndreca is available again after serving his one-match suspension and could return at left-back. There is a concern in midfield after Fernando Medeiros suffered an injury late in the first leg, with Ibrahim Diabaté expected to come into the side if Medeiros is unavailable.

Verdict

The first leg demonstrated that there is not a significant gap between these teams, and Lillestrøm’s recent attacking struggles make it difficult to envisage them suddenly taking complete control of the return fixture.

Egnatia have already shown considerable resilience during qualifying and arrive in better overall form, while their 3-0 weekend victory should provide further confidence.

However, Lillestrøm achieved what they needed in Albania by returning home without a deficit. With their defensive performances improving and home advantage now on their side, the Norwegian cup winners should be capable of edging another competitive encounter and securing their place in the Europa League.

Tip

Lillestrøm to qualify.