Serbia, with a game in hand, are set to host Albania at Dubocica Stadium on matchday seven of the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers. Serbia are in third place in Group K, while Albania are right ahead in second place with a one-point cushion. Here’s our match prediction.
Serbia made a promising start to the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers. They avoided defeat in their first three games, recording two wins and a solitary draw against Albania.
However, Dragan Stojkovic’s men came face-to-face with their limitations on matchday six against the favorites to top the group, England. It was a one-sided affair as they succumbed to a 5-0 home defeat.
It is fair to say that their performance in that match was far from convincing as they managed three shots at goal with none finding the target.
Albania’s only defeat in the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers came against England, suffering a 2-0 away defeat. After that result, their fortunes started to shift.
The Red and Blacks went on to avoid defeat in four games, recording two wins and two draws. Their recent match in the qualifying campaign was a 1-0 home win against Latvia.
Sylvinho’s men head into this clash unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions and will want to build on this momentum to secure a favorable outcome in this fixture.
Serbia vs Albania prediction
Serbia have often flattered to deceive with a strong squad and, once again, still under the management of Dragan Stojkovic, the Serbians once again suffered a hammering against a bigger side last month as they were beaten 5-0 by England. They simply must win this game to ensure second spot in the group.
Their biggest threat is an Albania side that remain coached by Sylvinho, assisted by Pablo Zabaleta. The Albanians most recently edged past Latvia by a goal to nil last month to extend their unbeaten run of form to five matches since losing to the English in the March international break.
Serbia and Albania both play a fairly dour style of football, albeit the Serbs have an entertaining squad on paper. A low-scoring affair decided by fine margins is to be expected.
