Preview: Moldova vs Andorra – prediction, team news, line-ups

On Tuesday, Moldova will be host Andorra in one UEFA Nations League competition, with both teams currently tied on four points.

The home side are looking to bounce back from a 4-2 defeat by Latvia, while Andorra are aiming for back-to-back wins.

game preview

©Reuters

After being relegated from the C-League in the previous Nations League season, Moldova’s return to the D-League got off to a perfect start, opening their account in style with a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein.

However, they missed a chance to grab back-to-back victories after playing a goalless draw against Andorra in a competition where Moldova followed with 10 men in the second half Victor Stinathe red card.

A home game against leaders Latvia followed and Moldova got the upper hand in the fifth minute Ion NicolaescuFree kick, but goals down Wladislav Gutkowski and Janis Ikaunieks caused the hosts to fall behind at half-time.

Gutkovskis scored for the second time after the break, namely Nichita Motpan scored for Moldova, Ikauniek’s second in the competition doomed the hosts to their first defeat of the season.

The result was also Moldova’s sixth consecutive home defeat, which will do little to lift spirits ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Andorra.

©Reuters

The visitors reacted well after the 3-0 defeat against Latvia in the opening day of the Nations League.

A goalless draw against Tuesday’s opponent got their campaign underway before they received a confidence boost after beating Liechtenstein.

Koldo AlvarezThe team had to wait until the 78th minute to open the shot on goal Jordy Alaez previously taken his penalty kick Chus Rubio doubled their lead just four minutes later.

Liechtenstein managed to find the net in added time but it proved too little too late as Andorra stood their ground and gave them their third win in their last five games.

Friday’s win could do little to inspire confidence ahead of Tuesday’s competition as Andorra have lost 14 of their last 18 caps.

Form of Moldova Nations League:

Form Moldova (all competitions):

Form of Andorra Nations League:

Andorra Form (all competitions):

Team News

©Reuters
Despite the loss to Latvia Sergei Clescenco Changes for Tuesday’s competition are expected to be kept to a minimum.

The only change that could be made could be in midfield, where Motpan will be rewarded with a place in the starting XI after coming on as a substitute against Latvia to score.

Nicolaescu scored his second goal of the Nations League season on Friday and the 23-year-old is expected to retain his place at the top.

Andorra, meanwhile, will be without the services of Marc Vales who missed the win against Liechtenstein through injury after slipping in the first half on Matchday 2 against Moldova.

Albert Alavedra returned to the line-up to replace Vales and the 23-year-old is expected to retain his place in the squad, with Andorra set to field an unchanged starting XI.

That would see Albert Rosas maintain his place at the top with the 19-year-old aiming to score his first international goal.

Moldova possible starting line-up:
Railean; Posmac, Armas, Bolohan; Revenco, Motpan, Caimacov, Rata, Reabciuk; Nicolaescu, S. Platica

Andorra possible starting line-up:
Gomes; Rubio, Llovera, Alavedra, Vines, Cervos; Alaez, X.Vieira, Pujol, Bernat; pinks

We say: Moldova – Andorra 2:1

Despite playing a full half with ten men, Moldova dominated possession in the first leg between the two teams and also enjoyed double the number of shots. We believe if they can keep all 11 players on the pitch then the hosts will use the home advantage to oust Andorra.

For a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, goal scores and more for this game, please click here.

Email previews