After strolling past Bulgaria on Saturday, England should encounter a sterner test from a Kosovo side fresh from probably the greatest result in their short history. Kosovo came back from a goal down to beat Czech Republic and they are now unbeaten in their last 15 internationals with their last defeat coming against Iceland in October 2017.
Admittedly, that unbeaten run does include plenty of poor opposition in friendlies and in the Nations League but they’ve had some impressive performances like beating Albania 3-0 away from home, thrashing Azerbaijan 4-0 and beating Bulgaria 3-2 in Sofia.
Their most notable players is probably Valon Berisha of Lazio but they have a decent level of talent across the team with players from clubs like Torino, Basel, Hannover, Swansea and Huddersfield.
Having said all that, England should be far too strong but they look a bit short at 1/20 and I wouldn’t be that keen on backing England on the handicaps. I think both teams to score looks the value option here at 11/5. As outlined before, Kosovo are a high scoring team by international standards and I’m confident they can get on the scoresheet even if England do win comfortably.
If Kosovo do score, it’s most likely to be Fenerbahce’s Vedat Muriqi and he looks worth a small bet at 8/1 anytime. Muriqi was prolific in Turkish League last season for Rizespor and secured a Summer move to Fenerbache for whom he’s scored twice in three games this season. He’s scored in Kosovo’s last two games and looks worth a punt at a decent price.
SGM Summary
Both Teams to score – 11/5
Vedat Muriqi to score anytime – 8/1
England 1/20, Draw 11/1, Kosovo 25/1