Albania v Armenia background
Monday, February 2, 2015
Article summary
Albania will look to revive the spirit that gave them a sensational winning start in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group I as they take on bottom side Armenia.
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Article body
Albania will look to make a winning start to 2015 in UEFA EURO 2016 Group I as they welcome section backmarkers Armenia.
Previous meetings
• It is all even after three games between these teams, both having the record W1 D1 L1.
• The sides' only competitive meetings came in 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifying; they drew 1-1 in Tirana before Armenia won the return fixture 3-0 in Yerevan.
• More recently, they came together for a friendly in Tirana on 14 August 2013, with Albania – under current coach Giovanni de Biasi – prevailing 2-0, Valdet Rama and Ergys Kaçe the scorers.
Form guide
• Albania sensationally won their opening Group I contest 1-0 in Portugal but have taken just a point from their subsequent two games (D1 L1).
• Albania are without a win in three competitive home fixtures (D2 L1).
• Armenia are without a victory in three Group I matches (D1 L2) and four competitive outings in total (D2 L2).
• Armenia have not won in three competitive away games (D1 L2) since a stunning pair of victories on their travels in 2014 World Cup qualifying – 4-0 in Denmark and then 2-1 in the Czech Republic.
Trivia and links
• Albania midfielder Taulant Xhaka turns 24 on the eve of the Armenia match.
• The nations have met in three UEFA age-group competition games, Armenia recording two wins to Albania's one.
