Israel vs Albania prediction: EUROPE: UEFA Nations League – League B betting tips on match 2022-09-23 18:45.
While relegation has never been an issue for any nation competing in UEFA Nations League Group B2 due to Russiaâs exclusion, Israel now have an opportunity to complete their rise from League C in the inaugural division all the way to the top flight. It would be remarkable if they manage to do so, especially when considering theyâve had to claw their way back from deficits four times during their UNL group games in this edition to maintain their unbeaten record (W1, D2).
The most important area that still arguably requires improvement for Israel is their defence, as they have now conceded 2+ goals in six of their last seven games. Somewhat making up for that porous backline is Israelâs highly potent attack, with Alon Hazanâs men finding the net at least twice in eight of their last nine internationals.
Itâs simply win or bust for Albania, who amazingly still have their promotion hopes in their own hands despite a one-point haul so far. With this match being Israelâs final game, Albania must win here and then follow up with a home win against Iceland on the 27th, though that would entail ending a five-game winless run (D3, L2) with back-to-back wins for the first time in almost 12 months!
That winless run includes losing the reverse fixture 2-1 at home back in June which turned their overall H2H record against Israel negative (W2, L3). A lack of penetration in attack questions their ability to take advantage of the hostsâ leaky defence, with just two of Albaniaâs last 17 games seeing them score more than once, and both of those were against FIFAâs lowest ranked nation, San Marino!
Players to watch: Two UK-based stars could be amongst the goals as Celtic and Israelâs Liel Abada has three international goal contributions which all came in the UNL (G1, A2), including an assist in the reverse. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Albaniaâs Armando Broja scored his first three international goals in wins âto nilâ, until he scored the opener in the 2-1 reverse defeat.
Hot streak: Albania havenât conceded before half-time in any of their last six internationals.