Albania v Liechtenstein Betting Tips: Hosts to put minnows to the sword

17:26, 31 aug 2017
17:26, 31 aug 2017
Countdown to event
00
00
00
00
Statistics per month: Winnings: 0$ % of profit: 0 bets: 0 Won: 0 Statistic >

As things currently stand in Group G, Albania aren’t in the most favourable position; they trail Italy, who’re currently in 2nd spot, by seven points and, with time running out, their World Cup dreams are fading rapidly. However, they have been presented with an excellent chance to gain a valuable three points here. Liechtenstein have very much been the whipping boy of this group and so the Albanians ought to win this match and win well.

Qualification is obviously looking unlikely but, what with this being something of a banker for the hosts and with Italy playing Spain at the same time, all is not lost just yet.

From a betting point of view, it is of course impossible to fancy the visitors and the hosts are indeed expected to secure a comfortable victory. Unsurprisingly, they’re as short as anything in the Win/Draw/Win market, although this doesn’t mean there is not a bet to be had. At odds of 33/20, ‘Albania to Score Over 3.5 Goals’ is well worth a go.

In all honesty, both on paper and in reality, this is a mismatch. Albania might not be considered footballing giants, but they’ve certainly made forward strides in recent time and are no mugs. What’s more, in comparison with minnows Liechtenstein, the home side really are giants. With such a disparity in quality likely to be evident from the off, Christian Panucci’s team really ought to run riot and enjoy themselves in the final third.

When this pair met in the reverse fixture, the Albanians did indeed leave the pitch as winners, although a 2-0 score-line didn’t exactly tell the full story. The visitors, as they were on that occasion, dominated from start to finish and ought to have scored further goals based on the chances created. Despite not quite punishing their inferior opposition as they really should’ve done on that occasion, Albania can certainly make amends back in front of a home crowd. Not only did the hosts walk all over this opposition in Vaduz back in October last year, but, more importantly, they come here off the back of a very pleasing 3-0 victory against a useful Israel side last time out. With that victory fresh in the memory, Panucci’s men should be full of confidence ahead of this match.

To say that Liechtenstein have played the role of a punchbag in this group is probably still an understatement. They’re simply not up to competing at international level and this is reflected in their results. Saturday’s visitors have conceded an embarrassing total of 24 goals in six games and have scored just one at the other end. Poor stats indeed. On top of this, they’ve conceded at least four goals in 50% of their matches during this campaign, shipping five on their last away outing.

Whichever way you look at this fixture, it’s very hard to see anything other than a clear-cut win for the hosts. With the visiting side prone to totally capitulating on their travels, Albania have a gilt-edged opportunity to record a high-scoring win and, by getting behind ‘Albania to Score Over 3.5 Goals’, they’re worth backing to do just that.

Click here to see more World Cup qualifying tips.

Found a mistake?Let us know
Still have questions? Ask our experts!
Comments