Iceland kicked off their UEFA Nations League B Group 2 campaign in midweek with a 2-2 draw away to Israel. Now, the Icelandic team is seeking all three points to move into sole position of first place in Group 2.
Albania were initially set to play Russia in Group 2. However, the Russians are not at the UEFA Nations League due to sanctions against the country. The Albanians did not play in midweek and will now start their UEFA Nations League tournament this weekend versus Iceland.
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Iceland and Albania have met seven times previously in all competitions. The Icelanders lead the head-to-head series with 4W-0D-3L. Iceland met in 2019 in European Championship qualification. The teams split the two-game series with the home side winning both games.
Coach Arnar Viðarsson saw his Iceland team drop to No. 63 in the world rankings in March. Iceland have not been in good form over the last 18 months. The highs of the Euro 2016 tournament are long gone. Just two of Iceland’s last 15 games finished as wins.
In 2022, Iceland have failed to win any of their five matches so far. Their 2-2 draw with Israel saw them come from behind after giving up an early goal.
Lecce’s Þórir Jóhann Helgason scored on 42 minutes and CSKA Moscow’s Arnór Sigurðsson put the team into the lead on 53 minutes. However, with just seven minutes to go, Iceland conceded an equaliser to Israel.
A 2-2 draw with the Israeli’s wasn’t a bad result. Israel will be expected by many onlookers to win Group 2.
Albania have had an up and down 18 months. Coach Edy Reja lead the team to six wins from their last 14 games in all competitions. However, just one win has come from the team’s last five fixtures. Albania are on a two-match winless streak ahead of their match with Iceland.
The Albania team has just one domestic player in the squad. The rest of the team is made up of players competing in Italy, Turkey, Spain, and elsewhere. Torino goalkeeper Etrit Berisha will capitain the side. Defender Marash Kumbulla from Roma will help to anchor the backline.
Iceland’s Birkir Bjarnason should anchor the midfield. He has 108 caps for the national team. Andri Guðjohnsen will likely start in attack. The Real Madrid Castilla player is just 20-years-old but is the son of former Iceland national team star Eidur Guðjohnsen.
Iceland will struggle in the fixture against Albania and will record a narrow defeat.