Ukraine vs Albania Prediction & Betting Tips (7 September)

Ukraine is coming out of a very unique Euro. Not dominant, nor ridiculous either, she finished with 4 points on the clock, in last place, and a rather mixed feeling. Indeed, the leader of Group E, Romania, finished in 1st place with a total of... 4 points. However, the opening 3-0 loss against the Romanians condemned Yarmolenko's partners. A success against Slovakia during J2 1-2 will not change anything, only to see it conclude with a very frustrating draw against Belgium against whom Ukraine had the best chances.

This Nations League is a dress rehearsal for the quarter-finalist of the 2006 World Cup who hopes to participate in the campaign which will take place jointly in the USA, Mexico and Canada in 2026. During the last edition, Ukraine finished 2nd from its League B group, behind Scotland but ahead of Ireland and Armenia. Opposite, Albania is gaining more and more importance in the European football landscape. A first participation during Euro 2016, a second during Euro 2024 during which the Balkan team delivered a very good score. A first defeat hard to digest against Squadra Azzurra 2-1, a heroic draw against Croatia 2-2 for a very small defeat during J3 against Spain B 1-0 to conclude this passage in the group of death. Albania is seeking in the future a first participation in a World Cup, and to remain in this League B. Last in its group during the last edition, it was not relegated due to the disqualification of Russia . 

Proof that this Ukrainian team is having trouble finding new gems, only 3 players are under 23 years old. Boys like A.Yarmolenko (34 years old, 122 salt - 46 goals) and Taras Stepanenko (35 years old, 85 salt, Shakthar) are always called up. Author of 24 goals in 39 matches with Girona, A.Dovbyk attracted the attention of AS Roma, with whom he signed this summer, but he is out of this gathering after having experienced the first matches without scoring in Serie A. For the remains, defender Denys Popov (Dynami kyiv) as often forfeited, Karavaïev (49 salt - 3 goals) retired, and defender Kryvstov (34 salt, Inter Miami) was not called up, he who plays little with his club. Up front, we will have to reckon with Roman Yaremchuk (Olympiakos, 53 salt – 16 goals).

A notch below let us point out the presence of Zinchencko (66 salts - 9 goals, Arsenal). Opposite, Sylvinho's Albania has never been so strong on paper. In the cages, we find the former Lazio resident Strakosha (31 salt), and behind it are the Seria A players, Elseid Hysaj (86 salt) and Ismajli (Empoli) who pull the strings. Injured, however, Armando Broja will not play (23 salts - 5 goals - Everton), as will the 3rd goalkeeper Kastrati and vice-captain Djimsiti (defender, Atalanta Bergamo). With 8 goals in 37 seasons, Roi Menaj (Sivasspor) is very productive offensively.