Cyprus vs Kosovo Match Analysis and Prediction

Cyprus vs Kosovo Match Analysis & Prediction

Cyprus

09/09/2024 7:00 pm

Kosovo

by Vincent

1 month ago 0 16

DISCLAIMER: All odds are quoted at time the prediction went live. Check the sports book for updated odds

Cyprus play host to Kosovo in Larnaca in Group C 2 of the UEFA Nations League on Monday on the back of an impressive win on matchday one.

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Another win for the hosts will see them beat their points tally from the last Nations League after just two matches, while Kosovo need to respond after a humbling defeat to Romania in Pristina.

That win over Lithuania in Kaunas on Friday night was Cyprus’ first one the road since 2019, having lost 14 of their 17 away matches since then, so it could be a real catalyst for better things going forward.

Cyprus took just five points from their six Nations League matches in 2022, avoiding the relegation playoff despite finishing bottom of their group, but they are already 60% of the way to matching that tally after just one game this time around.

However, it is likely to get tougher with Kosovo up next and Romania to come in October as Cyprus have been handed a very difficult section considering it is a third-tier group.

Form on home soild has been largely positive for Cyprus in this tournament, as they have lost just one of their previous five here, but that one defeat came against upcoming opponents Kosovo in 2022.

Kosovo have already had their promotion hopes dashed by a bruising 3-0 defeat at home to Romania on matchday one, as that group opener had the feel of a decisive game despite coming so early in the section.

It was a poor first competitive game for Franco Foda, who arrived earlier this year and an instant response is required if Kosovo want any chance of avoiding a fourth straight appearance in League C.

Friday’s defeat was their fourth in five matches, all of which have seen them fail to score, which is peculiar for a side that has more than enough individual quality in attacking areas.

Kosovo will come into this contest as favourites, but as a draw against Andorra and two losses to Belarus in Euro 2024 qualifying showed, they can be extremely complacent against weaker sides, and that must be avoided here if they want to keep Romania in their sights.

Cyprus vs. Kosovo Head to head

Kosovo have won each of the previous two meetings between these two teams.

02/06/2022

Cyprus

0

Kosovo

2

Nations League
27/09/2022

Kosovo

5

Cyprus

1

Nations League
09/09/2024

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
09/09/2024

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
09/09/2024

Cyprus

N/A

Kosovo

N/A

Nations League

Cyprus Team News

Cyprus are likely to remain unchanged after an excellent away win on matchday one, where they were strong in both attack and defence.

Ioannis Pittas carried his fine club form from AIK in Sweden over to the international stage by scoring the only goal in Kaunas on Friday and is set to start as the main focal point on Monday.

Cyprus's Last 5 Matches

21/03/2024

Cyprus

1

Latvia

1

Friendlies
25/03/2024

Cyprus

0

Serbia

1

Friendlies
08/06/2024

Moldova

3

Cyprus

2

Friendlies
11/06/2024

San Marino

1

Cyprus

4

Friendlies
06/09/2024

Lithuania

0

Cyprus

1

Nations League

Kosovo Team News

Mergim Vojvoda’s late red card in Kosovo’s defeat on Friday will see the right-back serve a suspension here, with Florent Hadergjonaj set to deputise for the Torino man.

After a poor performance in attack, Foda could turn to Albion Rrahmani to partner Vedat Muriqi in attack, after the 24-year-old made a big-money mover to Sparta Prague late in the summer window.