Czech Republic vs Albania prediction: EUROPE: UEFA Nations League – League B betting tips on match 2024-10-10 18:45.
[p]Czech Republic head into this second round of UEFA Nations League (UNL) fixtures looking to build momentum after beating Ukraine 3-2 in Prague last time out. That win not only halted a four-game winless streak (D1, L3), including a disastrous 4-1 defeat to Georgia on matchday one, but also took some pressure off manager Ivan Hašek’s shoulders as his position seemed to be in danger.[/p]
[p]After some criticism of the home supporters after the Ukraine game, Czech Republic will hope that there will be more of their own fans in attendance to cheer them on as they welcome Albania looking for back-to-back competitive wins for the first time since November 2021. And the Czechs should be confident after winning each of their last six matches on home soil, albeit the streak started after a 1-1 H2H draw in Prague last September.[/p]
[p]Albania have witnessed the same start to the UNL campaign in Group B1 as their hosts, only in the reverse order as they first beat Ukraine – curiously in Prague – Â and then lost to Georgia. They appear well placed to respond here having enjoyed recent H2Hs, as before the aforementioned draw they also beat the Czechs 3-0 last October, which was crucial in securing their passage to Euro 2024.[/p]
[p]Their latest win over Ukraine forms part of a four-match unbeaten run in competitive away matches (W2, D2). Interestingly, eight of the 11 goals they scored during this run arrived after the break, which could make for an interesting second half at the very least here.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Pavel Ĺ ulc has scored four of his last five goals for club and country before the break, including his brace against Ukraine. This contest will take place at Sparta Prague’s epet ARENA – the home stadium of Albania’s Qazim Laci. He has scored three of his last five goals in the first half, including his opener against Croatia at the Euros.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Each of the Czech Republic’s last nine matches have seen both teams find the net.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Tomáš Vlasák[/i][/p]