Kosovo kept two clean sheets in their three UNL games so far and I expect them to place a lot of focus on defending against light favorites Austria on Sunday. Under 2.5 goals is worth backing here.
Key Stats
- Kosovo have kept a clean sheet in 3 of their last 4 matches.
- Kosovo have seen under 1.5 goals in 2 of their last 3 matches.
This Will be Their Second H2H
Last weekend's clash in Wien was the first head to head encounter between Kosovo and Austria.
Mixed Results for the Home Side
Kosovo started the new Nations League 2026 campaign in best way possible, taking down Republic of Ireland 1-0 in front of the home crowd with veteran Vedat Muriqi finding the net late.
They were easily outplayed by Austria in the second round though, suffering a 3-1 defeat on the road. Edon Zhegrova scored a consolation goal just before stoppage time which was their only shot on target.
On Thursday, Kosovo locked horns against Israel on a neutral ground in Hungary. This was an even contest where both sides failed to create chances and it ended in a goalless draw.
Austria Sitting Top of the Group
It took 89 minutes for Austria to crack underdogs Israel last Thursday in their opening UNL 2026 match but ultimately took well-deserved 3-1 victory (had 2.79-0.20 expected goals and 9-1 shots on target).
Das Team performed even better against Kosovo last weekend, taking another 3-1 victory in front of the home crowd with David Affengruber, Junior Adamu and Carney Chukwuemeka finding the net.
Ralf Rangnick's side was in tough position on Thursday, trailing by two goals at half time against Republic of Ireland in Dublin but stepped up and scored two unanswered goals later to secure a point in a 2-2 draw.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Kosovo (3-4-2-1) Amir Saipi; Lumbardh Dellova, Ilir Krasniqi, Andi Raci; Mergim Vojvoda, Florent Hoxha, Leon Avdullahu, Dion Gallapeni; Edon Zhegrova, Ermal Krasniqi; Albion Rrahmani
Kosovo have to monitor star striker Vedat Muriqi, who missed their previous match with a muscular injury, leaving Albion Rrahmani on standby to lead the frontline. Furthermore, first-choice goalkeeper Arijanet Muric remains doubtful after suffering a knock, with Amir Saipi prepared to start in goal.
Kosovo have to monitor star striker Vedat Muriqi, who missed their previous match with a muscular injury, leaving Albion Rrahmani on standby to lead the frontline. Furthermore, first-choice goalkeeper Arijanet Muric remains doubtful after suffering a knock, with Amir Saipi prepared to start in goal.
Austria (4-2-3-1) Alexander Schlager; Stefan Posch, Philipp Lienhart, Kevin Danso, Maximilian Wober; Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Patrick Wimmer, Konrad Laimer, Romano Schmid; Michael Gregoritsch
Austria have arrived without several long-standing figures, as David Alaba was omitted following his move to Udinese and Marcel Sabitzer takes a break from international selection. Marko Arnautovic retired after international football after the WC 2026.
Austria have arrived without several long-standing figures, as David Alaba was omitted following his move to Udinese and Marcel Sabitzer takes a break from international selection. Marko Arnautovic retired after international football after the WC 2026.