Kosovo fought until the very end for a place at the World Cup. They finished second in their group, behind Switzerland and ahead of Slovenia and Sweden. In March, they defeated Slovakia away from home, only to lose 0-1 to Türkiye in the decisive round. During the latest “FIFA window”, they were beaten by the Czech Republic in a friendly but cruised to a 3-0 victory over Andorra.
Ireland also finished second in their group, edging Hungary at the last moment. However, in their very first playoff match in March, they were leading 2-0 but allowed their opponents to level the score before eventually losing on penalties. They then drew with North Macedonia and Canada, while beating Grenada and Qatar in friendly matches.
Rrahmani and company score an average of 1.7 goals per game while conceding 1.4. The visitors have scored 1.6 goals per match and conceded half as many — 0.8.
Previous matches: Kosovo vs Ireland
The hosts only recently received official status from UEFA and FIFA. This will be their first meeting with this opponent.
This looks like an evenly matched contest. Both sides will be aiming for victory, and it should be anything but dull — we are backing “over 2.0 total goals” (odds: 1.73).
Kosovo vs Ireland: key statistics and trends
Kosovo have lost two of their last three matches
30% of Kosovo’s matches end with both teams scoring, while the average total goals per match is 2.5
Ireland are unbeaten in their last eight matches
40% of Ireland’s matches end with both teams scoring, while the average total goals per match is 2.4.
Kosovo vs Ireland: possible starting lineups
Kosovo play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (possible lineup): Bekaj — Asllani, Krasniqi, Galapeni, Hajdari — Vojvoda, Emerllahu, Avdullahu — Jashari, Muriqi, Zaberxha
Ireland play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible lineup): Travers — Abankwah, Collins, O’Brien — Ndaba, Coleman, Devoy, Coventry — Umeh, Ogbene — Parrott
