Preview: Belarus vs. Kosovo - prediction, team news, lineups

With both nations still winless in Euro 2024 qualifying, Belarus welcomes Kosovo to Szusza Ferenc Stadion on Monday.

The home side lost a 1-0 lead to fall to a 2-1 defeat to Israel on Friday, while Kosovo held Romania to a stalemate in Prishtina.

Match preview

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Belarus fell to a third consecutive loss in European Championship qualifying, but the flow of their reverse against Israel meant the final result rankled.

Max Ebong put the home side 1-0 up in the 16th minute, and Georgi Kondratiev's team held on until an 85th-minute penalty from Shon Weissman and Oscar Gloukh's 91st-minute strike turned the game around.

Sergei Politevich thought he had doubled Belarus's advantage in the 75th minute, only for the centre-back's strike to be chalked off after a VAR check.

The upshot of Friday's reverse leaves Kondratiev's team bottom of Group I after three rounds of games and seven points shy of Romania, who occupy the second qualification spot.

Belarus have not played at the Euros since gaining independence in 1991, an eventuality that seems likely early on in qualifying.

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As for Kosovo, they remain unbeaten after three games following Friday's goalless home encounter against second-placed Romania.

It was a creditable draw for the away side, who perhaps deserved more from the game had they converted promising second-half chances.

Alain Giresse's troops forced Edward Iordanescu's side into several low-percentage shots from distance as they kept the visitors at bay.

With only two goals conceded in qualifying, the Dardanians have a solid base to build on if they sort out their finishing at the other end.

It seems easier said than done, but a victory for Kosovo against the group's worst side statistically could edge them closer to second place, especially with table-topping Switzerland to host Romania in the next round of fixtures.

Team News

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An injury forced Yuri Kovalev off in Friday's loss to Israel, and Belarus are anticipated to make a change if the wide attacker is ruled out.

Ebong, the home side's goal scorer in the 2-1 loss, is anticipated to keep his starting role as the hosts seek a first victory in Group I.

National team captain Evgeni Yablonski could start in central midfield on Monday, having been a second-half introduction last time out.

After producing a first-class defensive showing against Romania, Fidan Aliti is expected to keep his spot in Kosovo's central defence alongside Amir Rrahmani.

After coming on at half-time for Milot Rashica, Edon Zhegrova could start at right wing for Giresse's men, with the former switching to the other flank.

Belarus possible starting lineup:
Ignatovich; Bykov, Politevich, Polyakov, Malkevich; Savitski, Yablonski, Selyava, Bakhar; Ebong, Khvashchinskiy

Kosovo possible starting lineup:
Muric; Vojvoda, Rrahmani, Aliti, Paqarada; Dresevic, Fazliji; Zhegrova, Celina, Rashica; Muriqi

We say: Belarus 0-1 Kosovo

While Belarus may rank higher than their opponents, Kosovo have played commendably in their qualifiers, opening the door to nick a narrow victory over a Belarussian side that are struggling for performances and results in competitive and non-competitive fixtures.


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