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Iceland has been rising in terms of football pedigree for some years now and with a number of players playing key roles in top European leagues they are still in the fight for a playoff place with 3 matches to go.
A home win against Albania would build a decider against Norway. Lagerback's men must be over the moon after a 90th minute equaliser against Switzerland which saw them come back from 4-1 down. The only issue is that they have been highly inconsistent and results varied between unexpected wins (such as an away win against Slovenia) to unexpected defeats (such as an away loss against off-form Cyprus). Needless to say this adds to the risk of backing them.
Albania also surprised many pundits with 4 points in 2 games against Norway and a wins against Slovenia and Armenia at home. They come from a 1-0 defeat against Slovenia however like Iceland are still in the midst of things. De Biasi has built the success on a defensive approach with their last 6 matches ending under 2.5 goals. Clearly, their game plan is to concede one less than the opposition; which is very much the opposite to Iceland who have the best attack and worse defense in the group.
I believe that the home team will ultimately prevail. More raw talent, home advantage (note that Albania have historically suffered away from home) and morale are all on their side. Will go at medium-high level odds.
Pick: 1
Odds: 2.2
Bookmaker: ➾ William Hill
Stake: 8 units
Tipster: ibfm23
| TIPSTER: Ibfm23 | Total profit: +12.76 | Tips won: 13 |
| Country: Malta | Total yield: +5.45% | Tips lost: 16 |
| Speciality: Football | Total picks: 31 | Tips pushed: 2 |
| 14.09 | • Watford vs Charlton | 2.05 | 8 | ❌ | -8 |
| 14.09 | • Burnley vs Blackburn | 2 | 8 | ❌ | -8 |
| 10.09 | • Ukraine vs England | 2.63 | 5 | ❌ | -5 |
| 10.09 | • Armenia vs Denmark | 2.3 | 10 | ✅ | +13 |
| 10.09 | • Iceland vs Albania | 2.2 | 8 | ✅ | +9.6 |
| 06.09 | • Poland vs Montenegro | 2 | 8 | ❌ | -8 |
| 06.09 | • Czech Republic vs Armenia | 2.15 | 5 | ❌ | -5 |
| 31.08 | • Blackburn vs Bolton | 2.5 | 5 | ✅ | +7.5 |
| 31.08 | • Oxford vs Rochdale | 2.1 | 5 | ❌ | -5 |
| 27.08 | • PAOK vs Schalke | 2.3 | 8 | ✅ | +10.4 |
