Skalica vs FK Košice: match statistics

Skalica sit 2nd, remain unbeaten after three league matches, and won their only home game so far, scoring an average of 2 goals. The hosts also have the stronger recent run: they have recorded 3 wins and scored 7 goals in their last five appearances, while FK Košice have won just once and conceded as many as 14 goals. Košice can be effective away from home, averaging 4 goals and a 29% shooting conversion rate, but they also allow opponents an xG of 2.13 and concede 4 goals per match. Skalica should control the game more often thanks to their average possession of 56% compared with the visitors’ 41%, while their 12 shots per match could exploit the opponent’s clear defensive weaknesses. Košice’s chances are boosted by the fact that neither team has kept a clean sheet yet; however, the hosts’ superior form and stability point to a Skalica victory.

The signal for goals from both sides is clear: this season, both Skalica and FK Košice have recorded BTTS in 100% of their matches, with a 0% rate of games without conceding. In their last five matches, the hosts averaged 1.4 goals and the visitors 2.0, while Košice conceded as many as 2.8 goals per game. Skalica create chances worth 2.48 xG at home and average 7 shots on target, whereas the visitors’ defence allows opponents 2.13 xG. Košice also have solid grounds for scoring, with their latest xG standing at 1.79, while Skalica have conceded an average of 1.2 goals during this period. Although Skalica’s 60% BTTS rate from their last five matches is lower than Košice’s 80%, both figures remain above or close to the league average of 63%, making BTTS - Yes the more likely outcome.

Both teams have started the season in highly open fashion: their matches to date have produced an average total of 6.0 goals for Skalica and 8.0 for FK Košice, with each side surpassing the 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 goal lines in 100% of matches. The broader data from their last five appearances also points towards goals, as Skalica’s games have averaged 2.6 goals, while Košice’s have produced as many as 4.8. Košice have conceded 2.8 goals per match recently, while Skalica average 24 shots and 7 shots on target, strengthening the outlook for at least two goals. Over 1.5 goals offers the highest safety margin, as both teams have scored and conceded at least one goal in every match played so far this season.

Skalica have the clearer attacking potential: their average xG stands at 2.48 compared with FK Košice’s 1.52, while the hosts average 24 shots per match versus 14 for their opponents. The visitors’ defensive record is particularly significant, as they have conceded an average of 2.8 goals in their last five matches, while Skalica have scored 1.4 goals per game over the same period and won three of those five fixtures. The hosts were leading at the break in two of their last five matches, while their opponents have lost all five of their most recent second halves, conceding an average of 2.0 goals in them. FK Košice are capable of starting strongly, having led after 45 minutes in three of their last five appearances, but their weakness after half-time supports the scenario of Skalica holding on to their lead. The 1/1 HT/FT outcome is therefore the most likely, although the high tempo and an average of 4.8 goals in the visitors’ recent matches also increase the risk of a turnaround.