Melici: Shkendija's only goal is to take three points against Skopje

Shkendija travels to Skopje's Autokomanda stadium on 18 October 2026 for a 14:00 kickoff as the league leader faces the team anchored at the bottom of the table. On paper Shkendija is the clear favourite, but the club's recent dip in form and the state of Macedonian pitches inject uncertainty into the fixture.

Melici: pitch problems won't be an excuse

Centre-back and North Macedonia international Anes Melici warned that poor playing surfaces complicate Shkendija's style but stressed the team must adapt. He said: "I think the state of pitches in Macedonia really isn't good, but I don't think this is an excuse or an alibi. I think the pitch is bad for us, but also for the opponent. We must be more realistic and accept that Shkendija is a team that builds play, that wants to play European-style football and in that respect this really makes it harder for us and is an advantage for rivals. But, as I said before, this is not an excuse, we must find a way to win matches."

Melici was equally direct about the match objective: "We have done an analysis and the goal is only to secure three points, regardless of whether we get them by playing well, building play or on a good or bad pitch or in mud or wherever, but the goal is only to win three points."

Shkendija coach Artim Polozani will be without injured Drilon Islami and Meljan Murati for the trip to Autokomanda. Their absences force tactical adjustments ahead of the clash.

Skopje will try to use home support to upset the leaders, but whether they have the quality and energy to do so remains unclear. The match will be officiated by referee Stojanche Stojanov.

Kickoff is set for 14:00 at Autokomanda; the result will be watched closely given Shkendija's position at the top of the table and Skopje's search for a first win this season.

Photo: press material from the event