Kosovo vs Austria – News and Probable Lineups

Following a stalemate in their third UEFA Nations League match, Kosovo will face Áustria in Pristina on Sunday.

The two teams, currently occupying the first and second positions in League B Group 3, are in a tug-of-war for the top place as they meet for the second time in just eight days.

Match overview

At the halfway point of the group stage, Kosovo is in second place with four points from three fixtures, making them potential candidates for a historic promotion to League A.

One of UEFA’s youngest nations continues to progress, coming just 90 minutes short of reaching their maiden World Cup, not long after earning a spot in the Nations League’s second tier.

Kosovo achieved promotion from League C through the playoffs previously, and they have acclimatized well to the challenge of facing higher-ranked teams.

Their leading scorer, Vedat Muriqi, netted a last-minute winner against the Republic of Ireland on the opening matchday, prior to suffering a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Áustria.

Franco Foda’s side then played out a goalless draw against Israel on Thursday night, leaving them with points equal to Ireland and trailing Sunday’s adversaries by three.

With a record of 14 victories in their last 22 encounters, Kosovo has proven resilient – especially in Pristina – but Áustria delivered a confident performance during their meeting in Vienna.

The visitors will aim to replicate their previous success at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, having taken a three-goal lead by the hour mark last Sunday.

As the clear favorites in the group, Ralf Rangnick’s squad advanced to the knockout stage of this year’s World Cup and secured triumph in both of their initial Nations League games with a score of 3-1.

First, they defeated a 10-man Israel in Linz before triumphing over Kosovo thanks to goals from David Affengruber, Junior Adamu, and Carney Chukwuemeka.

Nevertheless, on Thursday evening, they found themselves down two goals against Ireland in Dublin, with only a late surge allowing them to earn a point, as substitute Michael Gregoritsch netted the equalizer.

Having narrowly missed out on promotion after being defeated by Serbia in the League B playoffs previously, Áustria is intent on securing first place this season.

Team News

Kosovo will be hopeful that their star player Muriqi can shake off a muscular issue in time to feature in Sunday’s encounter, after he missed the draw against Israel.

With 19 contributions in Nations League goals, the Fenerbahce forward is vital for the hosts, although Albion Rrahmani is ready to step in should he be unfit.

First-choice goalkeeper Arijanet Muric was substituted during the loss to Áustria, with Amir Saipi taking over midweek, leaving uncertainty over who will start this weekend.

While Muriqi has been appointed as captain, in light of Amir Rrahmani’s retirement from international football due to a federation dispute, Áustria will also be without their long-serving captain.

David Alaba was not selected, having been without a club prior to joining Udinese last week; additionally, Marcel Sabitzer is taking a break from the national squad. Paul Wanner and Nikolas Veratschnig both sustained injuries in the previous match against Kosovo and have returned to their clubs.

All the same, Konrad Laimer made an appearance in Dublin after recovering from an adductor injury, while Gregoritsch overcame an ankle issue to score the equalizer; Kevin Danso, who plays centre-back, will also be available after serving a suspension.

In the post Marko Arnautovic era, Sasa Kalajdzic, Christoph Lang, Adamu, and Gregoritsch will all be vying for starting spots up front.

Kosovo probable starting XI:

Saipi; Dellova, I. Krasniqi, Raci; Vojvoda, Hoxha, Avdullahu, Gallapeni; Zhegrova, E. Krasniqi; Rahman

Áustria probable starting XI:

A. Schlager; Posch, Lienhart, Danso, Wober; Seiwald, X. Schlager; Wimmer, Laimer, Schmid; Gregoritsch

Áustria has the potential to hand Kosovo a rare home defeat, owing to their formidable attacking capabilities at this level.

Only two teams netted more goals in League B last time, and Rangnick’s men have already scored eight in three fixtures this season.