Finland vs Albania – News and Probable Lineups

Both teams that have commenced their 2026-27 UEFA Nations League journeys strongly are set to compete this Saturday afternoon, as Finland hosts Albania.

Currently, Finland sits in second place in Group 1 of League C with four points, while Albania leads the group with six points acquired from their initial two fixtures.

Match overview

Finland began their 2026-27 Nations League season emphatically, achieving a 7-0 victory over San Marino, followed by a goalless draw against Belarus, bringing their total to four points in Group 1 of League C.

The Eagle-owls have an overall record comprising 11 wins, three draws, and 12 defeats from their 26 matches in the Nations League throughout history.

Finland had been competing in League B in the 2020-21, 2022-23, and 2024-25 campaigns, but their recent relegation has seen them drop to League C for the ongoing 2026-27 season.

Jacob Friis’ squad has two additional fixtures on the agenda during this international break, with a subsequent match against Belarus on October 6.

Historically, Finland has faced Albania seven times, winning four, drawing once, and losing twice.

Albania has actually suffered defeat in three of their last four matches against Finland and has not triumphed over the Eagle-owls since a World Cup qualifying game in September 1980.

The visitors have commenced their 2026-27 Nations League campaign strongly, starting with a 2-0 victory over Belarus, followed by a 3-0 win against San Marino in the latest outing.

With six points from two fixtures, the Red and Blacks are currently at the top of Group 1 in League C, two points clear of second-placed Finland and five ahead of third-placed Belarus.

Albania has achieved eight wins, five draws, and nine defeats in their previous 22 matches in the Nations League.

This marks the third Nations League season in which the Red and Blacks have participated in League C, but they also competed in League B during the 2022-23 and 2024-25 tournaments.

Finland Nations League form:

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Finland form (all competitions):

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Albania Nations League form:

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Albania form (all competitions):

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Team News

Finland has not indicated any injury issues leading up to this match, and the home side also has no suspension concerns ahead of their encounter with Albania.

Joel Pohjanpalo has netted 22 goals in 91 appearances for his nation, and he is expected to once again be a fixture in the attacking third.

Topi Keskinen may also maintain a spot in the forward area for the hosts, while Lukas Hradecky will occupy the goalkeeper position.

Rolando Maran, the head coach of Albania, may opt for an unchanged lineup for this match.

Rey Manaj has contributed 12 goals in 47 matches for his country and will once again be positioned in the attacking third.

Myrto Uzuni and Anis Mehmeti are also anticipated to be key starters for the visiting side in this match.

Finland probable starting XI:

Hradecky; Stahl, Miettinen, Koski, Lahteenmaki; Kairinen, Markhiev, Kamara; Walta, Pohjanpalo, Keskinen

Albania probable starting XI:

Sherry; Sina, Ismaili, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Shehu, Asllani; Uzuni, Muci, Mehmeti; Manage

Both teams have made promising starts to their respective campaigns, which sets the stage for an engaging fixture. While a draw might be on the cards, there’s a sense that Albania could find a way to secure all three points.