Greece, aiming to extend its perfect record in the UEFA Nations League this summer, welcomes closest group rivals, Kosovo, to Volos on Sunday with a kickoff at 9:45 pm.
Greece is determined to reach the UEFA Nations League’s second tier after narrowly missing out on promotion last time. This month, an opening victory against Northern Ireland was followed by a 1-0 win over Kosovo last Sunday, with captain Anastasios Bakasetas producing the decisive goal on both occasions.
Then, on Thursday night, the Trabzonspor midfielder also scored the opener against Cyprus in a 3-0 win that continues a promising start for well-traveled coach Gus Poyet, who was appointed after Greece’s failure to qualify for Qatar 2022.
While Kosovo did not get off to the best start in their first European Championship qualifying campaign—finishing rock-bottom of their group. With just one win from eight games—they showed they could compete with their more established rivals by earning draws against Greece both home and away last year.
In September, they had fewer possessions than the Greek team and absorbed plenty of pressure but held on for a 1-1 result. The teams met again in November, with another 1-1 draw. They also played against Greece in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League, taking another point away from Athens but losing at home as they finished third in their group.
Greece vs. Kosovo Head to Head
Both sides have five games against each other, with hosts taking two wins with three draws against visitors. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Greece 3-0 Cyprus
- Kosovo 0-1 Greece
- Ireland 0-1 Greece
- Montenegro 1-0 Greece
Away
- Kosovo 3-2 Ireland
- Kosovo 1- Greece
- Cyprus 0-2 Kosovo
- Switzerland 1-1 Kosovo
Greece Team News
Greek coach Gus Poyet will likely make some changes to his starting XI, particularly after facing a fourth fixture in the space of ten days. Right-back George Baldock fared well on his full debut in the reverse fixture and could retain his place in the hosts’ back four, but Lazaros Rota is pushing for a recall.
Kosovo Team News
Meanwhile, Kosovo will line up with Lazio misfit Vedat Muriqi leading the line, following a brace against Northern Ireland. He is set to be supported in attack by wingers Milot Rashica and Zymer Bytyqi, but Japan-based Benjamin Kololli is another option out wide for coach Alain Giresse.
Prediction and Odds
Despite losing to Greece last week, the visitors can still complete the double in short succession, as they continue to flourish under new management.
- Greece Win
- Goals Over 1.5
- First Half: 0-0
