UEFA European Championship - Albania VS Spain Prediction
UEFA European Championship - Albania VS Spain
Match Time: 25-06-2024 03:00 Tuesday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Albania
Sylvinho has no visible injury problems, but five players are walking a suspension tightrope. Armando Broja, Gjasula, Elseid Hysaj, Arber Hoxha and Mirlind Daku are all on one yellow card and could miss the round of 16 clash should they pick a booking against Spain. But more importantly, Albania should make the knockout rounds.
The manager will not be concerned about that problem, as he will select his strongest eleven to have a chance to qualify. Their strongest lineup will have Atalanta star Berat Djimsiti and Arlind Ajeti at the heart of the defence, while Elseid Hysaj and Mario Mitaj are firmly settled in the full-back roles.
Midfielder Klaus Gjasula will again be an option off the bench as Sylvinho will go with the likes of Ylber Ramadani and Kristjan Asllani as his preferred central midfield options.
The manager might keep Rey Manaj as his central striker and retain Broja on the bench once again. Behind the forward will be Qazim Laci in the no.10 role, while Jasir Asani and Nedim Bajrami will play through the wings.
Spain
Given that Spain has qualified, and there is a strong likelihood of them finishing as group winners, irrespective of what happens in the group on Matchday 3, will Luis de la Fuente rotate his pack or stick with his guns? The chances of the former are stronger, as the manager might rest his key starters to give others a chance to feature from the start.
This means there will be wholesale changes, barring maybe one or two stars like skipper Alvaro Morata and defender Aymeric Laporte. Dani Vivian could start alongside the Al-Nassr defender, while Jesus Navas and Alex Grimaldo could come in as full-back.
Even David Raya could get a run out in place of Unai Simon, although Luis de la Fuente might retain his original No.1 choice. Martin Zubimendi could replace the suspended Rodri at the base of the Spanish midfield, while his Real Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino might take the spot on the right side, with Alex Baena likely to come in on the left.
Mikel Oyarzabal or Dani Olmo could get a start on the left side of the front three, with Ferran Torres and Morata completing the attacking unit for Spain.
Albania possible starting lineup:
Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani; Asani, Laci, Bajrami; Manaj
Spain possible starting lineup:
Raya; Navas, Vivian, Laporte, Grimaldo; Merino, Zubimendi, Baena; Torres, Joselu, Oyarzabal
Prediction : Albania 0-2 Spain
Such is the depth in the Spain squad that De la Fuente could make changes in the double figures and still see his side run out comfortable winners in Dusseldorf, even against an Albania side with plenty more to fight for. Sylvinho's side have put in performances to be proud of against Italy and Croatia, but even a second-string Roja team - packed with players with points to prove, it should be noted - ought to prove too strong, as Albania prepare to bow out at the first hurdle.
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