Albania v Scotland betting tips: All still to play for in C1
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Odds and preview of Nations League match-up
It appears there’s still a lot left to be decided as we approach the business end of the Nations League group phase.
League C1 is no different, Scotland know they must win in Albania to retain any hopes of promotion.
Alex McLeish side won the reverse fixture 2-0 at Hampden Park. But when the stakes are high can they keep their nerve?
You can watch all the action unfold from 7:45pm on Sky Sports Main Event. But first we have the odds and everything you need to know right here…
Head-to-Head
The reverse fixture was the first time the two nations have ever met. A Steven Naismith goal helped the Scots to a 2-0 win which puts them right in the mix for qualification.
Both sides did lose their last matches in the competition, but the Tartan Army do have a game in hand on both Israel and the Albanians.
Likely XIs
Kevin McDonald, Tom Cairney, Robert Snodgrass and Matt Ritchie headline a 15-strong list of players unavailable.
They have a serious problem a right-back where Ryan Fraser may have to fill in yet again.
Albania boss Christian Panucci is still without the team’s top scorer Armir Sadiku which means Bekim Balaj will come in.
Older brother of Switzerland’s Granit, Taulant Xhaka will be a key man in the centre of midfield.
They could have Napoli’s Elseid Hysaj in a back three and do have Rangers man Eros Grezda in their ranks.
Key Battles
An unfamiliar back-three of Tierney, Jack Hendry and Scott McKenna will have to stand firm.
They will try to marshal an attack of Grezda and Balaj, whilst hoping their wing-backs of Robertson and Fraser force the Albanian’s to retreat.
Johnny Russell has been in flying form for Sporting Kansas City in the MLS.
He will have to put designs of becoming MLS Cup champ to one side here, as he tries to fire his country to greater things.
A midfield of Callum McGregor and Stuart Armstrong are charged with getting the better of Xhaka, Ledia Memushaj and Sabien Lilaj.
Match Odds
Scotland to do the double over their opponents is 7/5. Our traders have another Scotland clean sheet also at 7/5.
Albania have only scored one goal in the competition so far. And with the Scots making wholesale changes its 29/20 to feature Under 2.5.
The Shqiponjat are 9/4 to grab a home win which would really shake things up.
Balaj could be the biggest danger in the Albanian side. He’s 11/4 to notch anytime. Xhaka is at 8’s.
Russell has 12 goals for Sporting KC this season. The former Derby County man is 14/5 to bag a goal.
McGregor has been a leading light for Celtic this season. The midfielder is 12/1 to get his sides opening goal.
Click here for more Albania v Scotland odds
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
