Albania vs Israel Predictions

• At least three goals have been scored in three of Albania’s last four Nations League home games.
• At least three goals have been scored in 12 of Israel’s last 13 internationals.
• Israel have conceded at least two goals in five of their last six away contests.

Israel yet to solve defensive imbalance 

Israel’s defence is the gift that keeps on giving and it should encourage Albania’s forwards to get their shots in when the two sides meet in a Nations League B Group 2 match on Friday. The Chosen Team have shipped a remarkable 23 goals in their last nine games and even a change of coach hasn’t yet brought about a discernible difference.

Israel took an early lead, relinquished it by conceding either side of half-time and then grabbed a late leveller to snatch a point in their eventful Nations League opener at home to Iceland. Alon Hazan’s side have kept just one clean sheet since the start of 2021, which came away to Faroe Islands, and we don’t anticipate them getting one in Tirana.

But, even without evergreen goalscorer Eran Zahavi in their ranks, they are clearly able to find the back of the net with Shonn Weismann and Munus Dabbur always offering some kind of threat. Liel Abada scored on his first start for his country last week and should keep his place for this game while Manor Solomon is crafty enough to create for those further forward.

Reja’s team are a force at home

Albania, who have won six of their last nine at home, will be no pushovers here and deserve their tag as pre-match favourites at around 6/4. Edoardo Reja’s men have seen off the likes of Hungary and Kosovo at home in the last two years and may be solid enough to get another result here.

The inconsistent nature of Israel makes this a hard call in the match betting market, but goals look guaranteed and we believe the visitors’ stats in particular point to there being value in the over 2.5 goal price of 6/5. At least three goals have been scored in 12 of Israel’s last 13 internationals while the same can be said for three of Albania’s last four Nations League home games.

We’ll take a 2-1 home win here as the correct score forecast because Israel have conceded at least two goals in five of their last six away contests, but not failed to score in any of their last five trips to face second tier European opposition.