On Saturday Scotland travel to Albania for a crunch match in Group 1 of League C in the UEFA Nations League. Both teams need to win, for different reasons, but Scotland have played only 2 games so far and a win against Albania will set up a winner take all finale at home to Israel.
Scotland don't come into this game in great form, just 2 wins in their last 10, current form W2 L7 D1. One of those wins was a 2-0 home win against Albania. Albania's form is just as poor, their last 10 read W2 L6 D2. They did beat current Group 1 leaders Israel at home 1-0 though, so Scotland will need to play well if they are to get all 3 points.
Albania would need a hat full of goals against Scotland and then for Scotland to beat Israel in the last game for them to progress out of this Group, that just isn't going to happen. For a start, 1 goal in 4 games doesn't give any confidence that Albania can pull off any goal rut in this fixture. However an Albania win would banish any worries of relegation from Group C and dent Scottish hopes of promotion.
Scotland have been tumbling down the rankings and it is quite remarkable that Albania are 20 places better than Scotland in the coefficients, this is a sorry affair for Scottish football and a reflection of the standard of football in Scottish leagues. There really is only two big teams in Scotland and that is Rangers and Celtic, the fact that these teams struggle in the Champions League speaks volumes for the state of football in the country.
Scotland will hope that MLS star Johnny Russel who will come in for the injured Steven Naismith can make some kind of impact. Albania defender Berat Djimsiti will look to make amends for his own goal in the 2-0 defeat to Scotland in the reverse fixture.
Verdict
Another tricky tie with no clear cut winner to choose from. I am tempted to go with a Scotland win but actually I am instead going to sit on the fence and predict a draw in this game. I think Scotland will be happy with an away point, it will mean a win at home against Israel will see them top the Group and promotion to League B. The point will most likely ensure Albania avoid relegation in the grouping of 3rd placed teams relegation group. I can't see Albania or Scotland risking too much for the win here so a draw is the predicted result.
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