Serbia vs Albania: Balkan Battle for World Cup Momentum
Serbia vs Albania Match Preview
Get ready for fireworks in Leskovac! Serbia and Albania square off this Saturday in a match that could seriously shape their 2026 World Cup qualifying hopes. Both sides are chasing a top-two finish in Group K, and with just one point separating them, this game is massive.
Form Guide
Serbia have been pretty solid at home — only one defeat in their last eight matches, with four wins in that run. Before England smashed them 5–0 last month, they had actually kept five straight clean sheets at home. That loss might’ve stung, but overall, they’ve looked tough to beat on their own turf.
Albania, meanwhile, have been a mixed bag. They’ve only scored more than once in one of their last 11 games, which says a lot about their attacking struggles. Still, back-to-back 1–0 wins over Gibraltar and Latvia have kept them in the mix, even if those aren’t exactly world-class scalps.
Head-to-Head
The last meeting between these two finished 0–0 back in June. Albania actually looked the better side that day, but Serbia will fancy their chances at home, especially given how strong they’ve been in front of their own fans. This rivalry always has extra spice, so don’t be surprised if things get a little heated.
Team News
Serbia are dealing with a few headaches — Sasa Lukic is out injured, and Nikola Milenkovic is suspended. Both are key players, so Dragan Stojković will have to shuffle things around. Still, with attacking threats like Dusan Vlahovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, they’ve got enough firepower to cause problems.
Albania should have most of their main men available, but finding goals has been their big issue. They’ll likely stick to a tight setup and look to frustrate Serbia while hoping for a moment of magic on the counter.
Players to Watch
Dusan Vlahovic (Serbia): Always a danger man in front of goal, and this kind of tight match could come down to one clinical finish from him.
Kristjan Asllani (Albania): The Inter Milan midfielder will be key to keeping Albania ticking and helping them transition quickly from defence to attack.
Prediction
This should be a tense and scrappy affair. Serbia have the edge with home advantage, but Albania won’t roll over easily. Expect the hosts to control most of the play, though it might take just one goal to decide it.
Predicted Score: Serbia 1–0 Albania
Betting Tips
Main Bet: Serbia to win ✅
Correct Score: 1–0 Serbia ⚽
Both Teams to Score: No ❌
Anytime Goalscorer: Dusan Vlahovic
Wrap Up
Everything points to a tight contest in Leskovac. Serbia will want to bounce back from that rough England loss, and Albania will fight tooth and nail to keep their spot above their rivals. But with the crowd behind them and a bit more quality up front, Serbia should edge it — just don’t expect a goal fest.