The final countdown to UEFA Euro 2024 has officially begun as we approach a string of highly anticipated international friendlies. Some of the nations that are playing this week are heading for the big tournament and others aren’t, but either way, it’s important for all of them to try and build some momentum. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the impending clash between Albania and Liechtenstein.
Albania Form GuideAlbania haven’t always been looked upon as a team that’s a constant threat in qualification, and rightly so, given that their only major accomplishment came in 2016 when they made it to the Euros for the first time. However, they’re a fun team to watch, and things finally appear to be clicking into place across the pitch - and that has to be cause for excitement.
Albania served as one of the surprise packages of the qualifiers as they were able to finish top of Group E, ahead of both Czech Republic and Poland. They won the group on goal difference and throughout the course of their campaign, they only actually lost one game.
Liechtenstein Form GuideRight now, Liechtenstein are ranked 200th in the FIFA rankings, with just eight other nations on the planet being below them. If that didn’t make it obvious enough, this is a country that isn’t expected to do a whole lot on the international stage. They may get a slightly more positive result from time to time, but in the long run, they exist merely as warm bodies.
Liechtenstein did manage to score one goal across their 10 qualifying games but at the same time, they also conceded 28, and they lost every single game they played in. Alas, that’s pretty much what we’ve come to expect from them at this level.
Match PredictionIn a game like this, the whole point is to do everything in your power to make an impact - but at the same time, there are far more important matches that lie ahead. Therefore, while we do think there will be some big moments here and there, our official prediction is over 2.5 goals scored.
