Kosovo host Cyprus in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday as they continue to search for promotion from League C. Both sides sit in the top two in League C Group 2 and the hosts can ensure that remains the case with a win. Here are the key details you need to know ahead of the game.
Match Preview
Kosovo will enter the match in good form and confident after securing a second straight win on Saturday, beating Lithuania 2-1. Two first half goals by Edon Zhegrova and Ermal Krasniqi, of Lille and Sparta Prague respectively, ensured Kosovo once victory.
However, goalkeeper Amir Saipi made a critical error to gift Lithuania a goal to make it 2-1, though his blushes were spared with the last kick of the game as he made a fantastic save.
Since the arrival of Franco Foda as head coach in February Kosovo have won three of their six games, putting them in a strong position to secure promotion to League B given that their last four matches are against the two bottom sides in the pool.
Kosovo entered their Nations League tournament off the back of a 3-0 loss to Romania, but got back to winning ways with a 4-0 thrashing of Cyprus in October’s reverse fixture. The 104th ranked nation in the world will be hoping for a similar result here in front of their home fans. Cyprus, meanwhile, went down 3-0 at home to Romania last time out, falling 3-0 down inside 30 minutes and ultimately conceding three before half time.
The visitors didn’t have too much in the way of chances, but Cyprus also succumbed to a 3-0 loss last time the sides met in October. It was Cyprus’ sixth straight home loss, conceding 19 goals and scoring only once in that time.
.Despite their poor run of home form they sit third due to Lithuania not taking any points, and will still be hopeful that they can still secure a place in the promotion play-offs. The 123rd best side in the world have a six point advantage over Lithuania and only boast a -16 goal difference compared to -19. However, they don’t boast the greatest of records against Kosovo, conceding 11 goals to just two over the last three meetings.
Kosovo will not be able to count on their top scorer, Vedat Muriqi, who is still recovering from a muscle injury. In the absence of Muriqi, Albion Rrahmani shall take charge of the attack with an array of support coming from Milot Rashica and Edon Zhegrova. Central Midfielder Muharrem Jashari is likely to come in for the suspended Elvis Rexhbecaj, while Arijanet Muric will hope to regain the number one shirt.
For Cyprus, some changes might be made in the defensive line after conceding seven goals in the last two games. However, Ioannis Pittas from AIK, who has done well in the Swedish Allsvenskan, should continue as the leading striker with Grigoris Kastanos from Hellas Verona providing support.
Probable Lineups
Kosovo:
Muric; Vojvoda, A. Rrahmani, Aliti, Rrudhani; Jashari, V. Berisha; Zhegrova, Muslija, Rashica; A. Rrahmani
Cyprus:
Mall; Karo, Gogic, Laifis, Ioannou; Kousoulos, Charalampous; Loizou, Kastanos, Tzionis; Pittas
Kosovo comes into this game as clear favorites, having done well at home recently. Cyprus will need serious improvements in order to avoid suffering yet another defeat.
