Albania VS Wales Match Prediction

  • Logo2018-11-20
  • Logo19:00:00
Albania
VS
Wales

Our Prediction Tip

Wales will win this match.

Wales and Albania have only played each other twice before, during Euro ’96 qualifying. Wales won 2-0 at home with current manager Ryan Giggs and former manager Chris Coleman scoring the goals, before a 1-1 draw in Albania.

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ALB vs WAL Betting Tips

Wales might have failed to earn promotion to the top level of the UEFA Nations League following their defeat to Denmark, but the performance against the Danes impressed.

This is a good crop of young talent coming through for the Welsh and the likes of Harry Wilson, Tom Lawrence and David Brooks look set for bright futures.

Gareth Bale remains their spearhead and, if he is selected, will obviously be key but the aforementioned trio are among those looking to prove there is life beyond Wales’ top goalscorer.

Goals, meanwhile, are something that has been distinctly lacking for Albania. Taulant Xhaka’s winner against Israel was the last time they even scored, let alone won a game.

With Armando Sadiku on the long-term injury list, Albania lack an obvious goalscorer – nobody in the squad has more than four – and they have now drawn four consecutive blanks.]

Chris Gunter’s record-breaking 93rd cap for Wales in defence could therefore be marked with a clean sheet for the Welsh.

And if they do that, Ryan Giggs’ side definitely have the attacking talent – even if their recent form in friendlies has been poor – to get back to winning ways.

Wales vs Albania Recommended bets with odds

Wales are favourites to beat Albania but their poor form in friendly matches means you can still back them at 5/4 to win with 888sport.

Furthermore, with Albania lacking goals, Wales to win to nil is 23/10 with Ladbrokes and a Welsh clean sheet returns 7/5 with Betfair.

You can also bet against both teams to score at 10/13 with 888sport.

Unsurprisingly, Gareth Bale is favourite to score for Wales, at a best price of 8/5 with Betfair and Paddy Power for their all-time top goalscorer to score at any time.

Albania vs Wales Prediction

Albania lack goals and their poor form reflects that. Wales have not been world beaters of late but they can and should win this one.

Correct Score Prediction: Albania 0-2 Wales

Albania Team News

Having been suspended for the game against Scotland, both Elseid Hysaj and Migjen Basha are likely to return to face Wales. Alban Hoxha, Ermir Lenjani, Ivan Balliu, Ylber Ramadani and Loret Sadiku have all withdrawn from the original squad, while Armando Sadiku and Odise Roshi are long-term absentees.

Albania Key Players

Elseid Hysaj – The Napoli full-back was missed in the defeat to Scotland but he will return for his 44th international cap against Wales.
Bekim Balaj – In Armando Sadiku’s absence, the Akhmat Grozny striker has more goals than any other player in the squad.
Taulant Xhaka – The Basel midfield enforcer’s only international goal is also the last Albania player to score at international level.

Albania Team Form

Albania’s only win in 2018 was their 1-0 victory at home to Israel at the start of the UEFA Nations League campaign – Taulant Xhaka scoring the winner. Albania have failed to even score in their four matches since, losing 2-0 away to Scotland and Israel, either side of a goalless draw with Jordan, before the 4-0 thrashing at home to Scotland in Shkoder last time out.

Albania Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 4-3-3

Wales Team News

Chris Gunter will become Wales’ most-capped player when he starts in Albania – with manager Ryan Giggs confirming the defender will be in the starting XI. Uncapped defenders Kieron Freeman and James Lawrence could make their debuts, meanwhile, at the other end of the scale, while Ethan Ampadu’s withdrawal – combined with James Chester and Paul Dummett dropping out after picking up knocks against Denmark – means a first international call-up for Manchester City youngster Rabbi Matondo.

Wales Key Players

Gareth Bale – Scored his 31st international goal in the defeat against Denmark, extending his national record on his 73rd appearance.
Harry Wilson – Has proved himself a bright, upcoming talent with his two international goals including the stunning winner against Republic of Ireland.
Aaron Ramsey – The Arsenal midfielder is back in the Welsh squad after injury and has 14 goals in 57 appearances for his national team.

Wales Team Form

Wales have won two of their last five games but both wins have come against the Republic of Ireland – 4-1 at home in September, with Tom Lawrence, Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts all scoring – and 1-0 away last month courtesy of Harry Wilson’s strike. In between, they lost 2-0 away to Denmark, 4-1 at home to Spain in a friendly (in which Sam Vokes scored the consolation) and, last time out, 2-1 at home to Denmark – Gareth Bales’ 89th-minute strike proving too little too late.

Wales Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 4-2-3-1

Wales fell short against Denmark in their final UEFA Nations League match to miss out on promotion and top spot in the group, but the Welsh can bounce back on a night when Chris Gunter will become their most-capped player. Albania are in poor form and lack goals and Wales can take full advantage.
Excluding the China Cup matches back in March, Wales are actually without a win in their last nine international friendlies - drawing three and losing six.