Both Serbia and Albania are likely playing to finish as the best runner-up in Group K as they prepare to face off against each other in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying on Saturday night. Indeed, England are already seven points clear in total at the top of the group, and a perfect run so far should see the Three Lions progress to the finals next year as group winners.
Nonetheless, this feels like an important clash for both sides, with three points potentially going a long way in terms of qualification. Serbia will be especially keen to win given that they are playing on home soil.
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Serbia vs Albania prediction: Visitors to steal point?
Key stats
- Serbia's 5-0 defeat at the hands of England last time out was their first in eight games in total in all competitions.
- Albania are unbeaten in five matches across all competitions.
- Both teams have only scored nine goals combined across their nine qualifying matches.
Correct score prediction: Serbia 1-1 Albania
Albania have proved a tough nut to crack in recent games, and so we are backing them to earn what could be a crucial point here. We are not expecting too many goals, as has been the case in recent matches involving these two sides.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Serbia strong favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 7/10 (1.70) – 58.8%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 17/4 (5.25) – 19.0%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Serbia are really fancied by the bookmakers to claim all three points here. A draw can be backed at just under 29%, while an Albania victory on their travels is rated at 19%.
Also, feel free to check out our Football Betting Tips Today page to engage with more of our predictions for the other World Cup qualifiers taking place.
Most recent H2Hs: Mixed bag
In three previous H2Hs in total in all competitions, there has been one win each for both Serbia and Albania, and also one draw. Their last meeting was not long ago as it was also in qualifying, where Albania held Serbia to a 0-0 draw at home in June.
Euro 2015 Qualifying 08/10/15
Albania
Serbia
Serbia preview: Couple of suspensions
Both Nikola Milenkovic and Sasa Lukic are suspended after the former was sent off against England last time out, while the latter accumulated too many yellow cards. Serbia have reported no fresh injury concerns in their squad.
Predicted lineup: Petrovic (GK); Erakovic, Veljkovic, Pavlovic; Maksimovic, Gudelj; Nedeljkovic, Zivkovic, Ilic, Kostic & Vlahovic
Last five results:
- Serbia 0-5 England
- Latvia 0-1 Serbia
- Serbia 3-0 Andorra
- Albania 0-0 Serbia
- Serbia 2-0 Austria
Albania preview: No fresh concerns
Albania have reported no fresh concerns in their squad in terms of injuries or suspensions. Thus, the visitors will be expected to name a strong starting XI here.
Predicted lineup: Strakosha (GK); Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Shehu, Laci; Broja, Manaj & Bajrami
Last five results:
- Albania 1-0 Latvia
- Gibraltar 0-1 Albania
- Latvia 1-1 Albania
- Albania 0-0 Serbia
- Albania 3-0 Andorra
Player to watch: Rey Manaj
With 10 senior goals to his name, Rey Manaj is the top scorer in the Albania squad. Two of those have come in this year's World Cup qualifying, and he is expected to cause Serbia plenty of problems.