Kosovo – Irlande

Recent form · Written before the match

Recent form, opponents, dates, detailed rest periods and travel for the last matches actually played are not sufficiently documented before September 24. No compatible, dated dataset on shots, expected goals or pressing is available.

Ireland will nevertheless have a tight international schedule, with a trip to Pristina followed by an away match against Israel in Debrecen on September 27, although this does not prove decisive fatigue for this match.

Head-to-head · Written before the match

No recent Kosovo-Republic of Ireland meeting with a date and score is documented in the pages consulted. This means that usable head-to-head data is unavailable, without allowing us to assert that no historical meeting ever took place.

There is no first-leg score because the match opens the league phase of Group B3.

Absences and returns

For Kosovo, Franco Foda confirmed on 21 September that Rexhbeçaj and Muslija were unavailable due to injury, as well as the withdrawals of Amir Rrahmani and Florent Hadërgjonaj, with no medical reason established here for the latter two. The exact nature of the injuries, their duration and the replacements remain unknown.

For Ireland, Nathan Collins is out injured, Séamus Coleman is not in the squad, and Harvey Vale and Jamie McGrath left the camp after suffering injuries at their clubs. Killian Phillips was called up on 21 September.

Three goalkeepers are in the squad - Caoimhín Kelleher, Max O’Leary and Gavin Bazunu - but the starter remains unknown.

Context & news

Kosovo can rely on Fadil Vokrri to impose an aggressive start and look for transitions, but its absences, particularly in central défense with Rrahmani, may reduce defensive stability and the quality of its buildup play. Ireland still retains several experienced players in its squad and could target direct play, second balls, and set pieces, but this assessment remains an inference unsupported by data specific to the period.

Contrasting scenario: a highly experienced Irish lineup and a strong performance from its goalkeeper could neutralize the home advantage. Conversely, a Kosovo side close to its strongest starting eleven and capable of exploiting transitions could trouble an Ireland team reshuffled without Collins, Coleman, Vale, and McGrath.