Albania v Scotland Tips: Tartan Army to keep promotion hopes alive?
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The penultimate round of Nations League matches sees Scotland head to Shkoder for a crunch-tie with Albania in Group C1.
Victory for Alex McLeish’s men will give them a fighting chance of beating Israel to top spot when the pair meet at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
Defeat would leave them requiring favours in order to avoid relegation.
Match Odds
Scotland may have beaten Albania 2-0 at Hampden in September but they’re considered the outsiders for this one at 11/8.
The hosts have won just four times at home since qualifying for the 2016 European Championships. They’re 11/5 to rack up a much-needed three points here.
You can back a first draw for Scotland in over a year at 2/1. Meanwhile, our traders go 9/1 about a repeat 2-0 win for the Tartan Army.
Talking Tactics
Eight players dropping out of the initial squad has left McLeish with a problem at right-back. He could opt to field Kieran Tierney on the opposite flank as a result.
John McGinn’s withdrawal has left a space in midfield too. Scott McTominay and Sheffield United ace John Fleck are prime candidates to replace the Aston Villa man.
Oli McBurnie is expected to retain his place up front after scoring three goals in two matches for Swansea City. He could be joined by Steven Fletcher, who last played for Scotland 13 months ago.
If he is, it’s likely that McLeish will stick with the 4-4-2 formation last used against Portugal in October.
Goalscorer Odds
There’s no guarantee Fletcher will start for the Tartan Army. But he’s still considered their most likely goalscorer at 11/5 Anytime.
McBurnie is an 9/4 shot after netting three goals in his last two matches for Swansea, while It’s 11/2 that he Scores First. AFC Bournemouth man Ryan Fraser can be backed at 4/1 Anytime.
The hosts will look towards Terek Grozny forward Bekim Balaj. He’s an 11/4 chance to score – a price he shares with Giacomo Vrioni.
Match Info
When: 7:45pm
Where: Loro Borici Stadium, Shkoder
How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event
Click here for the latest Albania v Scotland odds
Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
