Albania and Estonia will conclude their summer of international fixtures by facing each other in a friendly at the Air Albania Stadium on Monday evening, with kickoff at 7 pm.
Both Albania and Israel have had a disappointing start to the Nations League campaign, with both nations failing to win any of their opening two games. It has been particularly tough for Albania, as they have failed to find the net so far in their two matches.
The Albanians’ hopes of progressing in the competition were dashed on Friday evening when they suffered a 2-1 loss to Israel at home. In-demand Chelsea striker Armando Borja got Edoardo Reja’s side up and running with a goal from the penalty spot on the stroke of halftime, following an impressive first-half display.
However, Israel wrestled back control during the second 45, and by the 73rd minute, they had turned the game on its head via a brace from Manor Solomon.
Estonia has opened up their 2022 European Championship qualifying campaign with two straight wins, putting them in control of their destiny as they push for promotion from Group D2.
Despite seeing very little of the ball in Malta on Thursday, Estonia proved to be clinical in possession as they snatched all three points at the death via a Henri Anier goal in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time.
Albania vs Estonia Head to Head
Both sides have one game against each other, with both winless while taking one draw. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Albania 1-2 Israel
- Iceland 1-1 Albania
- Albania 0-0 Georgia
- Spain 2-1 Albania
Away
- Malta 1-2 Estonia
- Argentina 5-0 Estonia
- Estonia 2-0 San Marino
- Cyprus 2-0 Estonia
Albania Team News
Albania is likely to make changes to their starting XI against Estonia on Monday, giving fringe squad members a chance to play for their country. Fulham-linked goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha has been left off Albania’s squad list, so Gentian Selmani or Elhan Kastrati could start in goal ahead of captain Etrit Berisha.
Estonia Team News
As for the visitors, they too are likely to rotate their starting 11 following a busy schedule of matches over June. Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein could well drop to the bench, as he did for the friendly against Argentina, with Matvei Igonen taking his place in goal instead.
Prediction and Odds
It remains to be seen how they will approach this friendly fixture against Estonia, but they should have enough to see off an inferior Estonia side comfortably.
- Home Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Away
