Albania vs Turkey 23/03/19

23 March 2019

Two sides that have endured a disastrous UEFA Nations League campaign go toe-to-toe at the Loro-Boriçi Stadium in Shkodër as Albania take on Turkey.

Although the hosts go into this meeting off the back of a narrow 1-0 win over Wales in a friendly match, they are not enjoying the best of times. Before beating Wales, the Red and Blacks have failed to clinch a victory in four straight games (D1, L3) failing to find the back of the net in each. Moreover, all three of Albania’s defeats in that period have seen them concede over 1.5 goals per match. The only thing that may comfort Christian Panucci is that both of Albania’s previous wins have come at home. Still, the Eagles suffered five losses in their last eight home outings (W2, D1, L5). As a result of their underwhelming performances, just one of Albania’s last six games has produced over 2.5 goals.

On the other hand, the visitors are winless in their previous four meetings (D2, L2) having failed to hit the net in the process. The Crescent-Stars are going through a nightmarish period that has seen the secure barely two triumphs in their last ten games (W2, D5, L3). Turkey’s poor results in recent times are closely connected with their immense problems in the final third. Şenol Güneş’s men have not only struggled to score in four of their previous seven games, but they have managed to bag over 1.5 goals per match just once in that period. But, surprisingly, Turkey have notched 2+ match goals on three of their last five road trips. Still, Güneş’s headache is mainly caused by Turkey’s inability to keep a clean sheet away from home that has seen them concede a goal in eight successive road games.