On the eve of the last round in the UEFA Nations League (UNL), Group B1 is still in a tie. A victory for either team guarantees at least second place, which gives them the right to qualify for the play-offs for promotion.
Albania national football team
For Albania, the main goal remains first place and direct promotion. This season, the Balkans have scored only three goals in five matches, but are currently outside the top two positions, at least by goal difference. With seven points on the board and a draw with the Czech Republic, another point here could be enough to reach the top two positions and keep their hopes of a second promotion alive.
To do this, Silvino’s team will have to hope for a Czech Republic victory over Georgia in another group match.
It’s worth noting that Tomas Strakosha has made at least two saves in all five of Albania’s matches in the Nations League this season.
Ukraine national football team
Ukraine, which is currently two points behind second-placed Albania and Georgia, must win in Tirana to have any chance of avoiding automatic relegation to League C for the first time in its history. Serhii Rebrov’s men lost their first two games this season, but are now unbeaten in three games (1 win, 2 draws), scoring exactly one goal in each of those three games.
A victory could give the Ukrainians a chance to break into the top two positions, depending on the result of the other match in the group. However, recent performances have generally lacked consistency: Ukraine has won only three of its last 11 matches (4 draws, 4 losses), conceding at least 2 goals in all four defeats in this series, including the previous 2-1 head-to-head with Albania in September.
Mykhailo Mudryk will be looking to outdo him in this regard, as he has scored two goals (1 goal, 1 assist) in his last three UNL games, with both goals coming in the first half.
Prediction for the match Albania – Ukraine
It is obvious that both teams are set for the last battle. The Ukrainians are still stronger, but it is better to bet on more goals.
Over 2.5 goals
Earlier, Spain defeated Switzerland in a Nations League match.
0 Comments