Ukraine and Albania both have a point to prove in their UEFA Nations League opener after heading home early from Euro 2024 this summer.
But the Albanians ended that tournament with far fewer regrets than the Ukrainians as most people had written them off in a group of death that included Italy, Croatia and eventual champions Spain.
Sylvinho's side held world cup semi-finalists Croatia to a 2-2 draw and only lost by one-goal margins to the other two giants so they could hold their head high at the end of the group stage.
Bowing out so early was a major disappointment for Ukraine though as they headed to Germany as potential dark horses for a long run in the tournament.
The Ukrainians should have finished in the top two of a group that included Belgium, Slovakia and Romania but ended up propping up the pile.
Attention now switches to the UEFA Nations League and boss Serhiy Rebrov has to lift his players for what could be a tricky opener with the Albanians in Poland.
How the bookies view it: Ukraine hot favourites
Despite their struggles in the summer, Ukraine are Betfred's 7/10 hot favourites for this one. The Albanians look a little overpriced at 18/5 while the draw pays 23/10.
Recent head to head: Albania out to end the curse
Ukraine have dominated this fixture since the breakup of the Soviet Union, going unbeaten across all four meetings. Three of those games have ended in victories, including a 4-1 friendly triumph in the last meeting back in 2018.
Players to watch: Artem can get back in the groove
Artem Dovbyk was in fine form heading into the Euros after a stunning season with Girona but fired blanks at the finals. He has also yet to get off the mark for new club Roma but should lead the line for Ukraine here and is 6/4 for anytime scorer.
Myrto Uzuni could lead the line for Albania in the absence of injured Armando Broja. The Granada forward has five goals from 35 caps so looks a bit overpriced at 5/1 for anytime scorer with Bet365 if he gets the nod.
Probable line-ups
Ukraine should be along similar lines to the Euros but Albania are without Broja and Ernest Muci due to injury along with defender Arlind Ajeti while forward Mirlind Daku is banned.
Ukraine: Trubin, Matviyenko, Mykolenko, Bondar, Zabarnyi, Shaparenko, Zinchenko, Sudakov, Mudryk, Dovbyk, Yaremchuk.
Albania: Strakosha, Hysaj, Ismajli, A Bajrami, Kumbulla, Abrashi, Ramadani, N Bajrami, Asllani, Uzuni, Manaj.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both these sides looked a bit vulnerable at the back during the Euros so it bodes well for goals at both ends. Backing BTTS pays a decent evens at Betfred while over 2.5 goals is a fraction bigger at 11/10.
Ukraine have more firepower than the Albanians so they should come out on top. Backing them to score in both halves looks worth a punt at 15/8.
Albania didn't win many corners at the Euros, averaging just two per game, so I like the 20/21 on offer at Bet365 for Ukraine -1 in the corner handicap.
This UEFA Nations League match between Ukraine and Albania will be played on Sep 7, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Ukraine vs Albania prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
