Bitesize Prediction: Albania vs Bulgaria – 17/10/23

Competition: International friendly

Market: Albania win

Odds: 7/11 @ BetUS

Looking to extend on their recent purple patch in midweek, Albania will welcome Bulgaria to Tirana for a friendly showdown.

Starting with the hosts, marking their return to EURO 24 qualifying duties with a stunning performance last week, Albania are in the midst of what has been a stellar run of form. Eventually breezing their way to a 3-0 romp against the Czech Republic, the Eagles find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Continuing to gain a string of plaudits and sat firmly in pole position to book their ticket to the major tournament stage, Sylvinho’s high-flying squad will be looking to make another statement here. Currently sat at the top of the Group E standings and riding a famous wave of momentum, Albania will also be excited by their extended success on home soil. Including that stellar 3-0 victory against the Czech Republic last week, Tuesday’s hosts have won each of their previous four contests in Tirana by an aggregate score of 9-0. With their recent purple patch underlined by a 2-0 win against Poland on September 10th, Sylvinho’s men are rightfully tipped as a standout contender here.

As for the visitors, while some in Bulgaria’s camp might have opened up this year’s EURO 24 qualifying adventure dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine top-two charge, the Lions have failed to find any kind of stability. Last seen over the weekend putting in a nightmare display on home soil as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Lithuania, Mladen Krstajic’s side have come under increasing scrutiny. Remarkably mustering just a pair of points from any of their six qualifying showdowns this year, the one-time Serbia boss has also seen his downbeat squad lose each of their previous three appearances on the spin across all competitions. Likewise, without a win from any of their last eight outings – a run that stems back over the past 11 months – Bulgaria will be bracing themselves for a stern examination here. Still without an away victory to their name since opening 2023, we are backing a home win on Tuesday night.

Bet: Albania 7/11 to beat Bulgaria in Tuesday’s International friendly matchup @ BetUS