As excitement builds around the UEFA Nations League, Albania are set to face the Czech Republic this Saturday in a crucial encounter which could have important consequences for promotion to the league’s top division. Both teams are keen to secure their place in League A, making this clash in Tirana a must-win match.
The Czechs head into this clash full of confidence, following a convincing victory over Albania in their previous meeting in Prague last month, which left them just a point ahead at the top of Group 1 with two games remaining.
Match Preview
Albania began their 2024-25 Nations League journey with a creditable 2-1 away triumph over Ukraine in September, but their quest for the summit was temporarily dampened by defeats to Georgia and to the Czech Republic. However, under coach Sylvinho, the Albanian team bounced back, narrowly winning 1-0 against Georgia in Tbilisi, thanks to a second-half strike from Kristjan Asllani.
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Currently, Albania are six points away, still in the running for promotion but aware that they are only two points ahead of bottom Ukraine. Sylvinho’s troops will look to capitalize on home advantage in their final two games, aiming for at least a second place finish which would give them a promotion play-off spot. Proceeding to League A would mark a significant milestone in the development of Albanian football, although they must avoid the possibility of being relegated to League C.
Czech Renaissance
Like the Albanians, the Czech Republic suffered disappointments at Euro 2024, making a poor start to the Nations League after a 4-1 defeat to Georgia. However, they quickly found their feet, beating Ukraine in a thrilling 3-2 encounter before sealing their fate with a 2-0 win over Albania in their last outing where Tomas Chory was the key player with a double.
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With their eyes firmly set on regaining their League A position following their relegation in the previous Nations League campaign, the Czechs could secure top spot with a win this weekend and a favorable result in the Georgia vs . Ukraine. A victory would make them inaccessible before the last day of matches.
Recent Form
- Albania’s form in the Nations League: V D D V
- Overall Shape of Albania: N D V D D V
- Form of the Czech Republic in the Nations League: D V V N
- Overall form of the Czech Republic: N D D V V N
Team News
Albania’s preparations were disrupted by striker Ernest Muci’s foot injury during training, casting doubt on his availability for the clash against the Czechs. Additionally, Armando Broja and Rey Manaj are still unavailable, leading to a struggle between Indrit Tuci and Mirlind Daku for the starting role in attack.
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With experienced defenders Marash Kumbulla and Berat Djimsiti absent, the Albanian defense faces challenges ahead of this crucial encounter. Nonetheless, the team will be anchored by seasoned players like captain Elseid Hysaj, Inter’s Kristjan Asllani and Rangers’ Nedim Bajrami.
For the Czech Republic, star striker Patrik Schick is out due to a minor injury, coupled with the absence of key defenders Ladislav Krejci, Martin Vitik, David Zima, and midfielder Lukas Kalvach. Expect Tomas Chory, fresh from a star-studded performance against Albania in their last meeting, to lead the attack alongside Vaclav Cerny.
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Projected Lineups
Albania: Strakosha; Hysaj, Ismajli, Ajeti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadan; Asani, Bajrami, Hoxha; Tucci
Czech Republic : Blacksmith; Coufal, Jemelka, Holes, Boril; Soucek, Cerv; Cerny, Sulc, Provod; The sick
Final Prediction
We anticipate a hard-fought encounter, but the momentum seems to favor the Czech Republic this Saturday. The absence of crucial defenders for both teams could provide opportunities for the attackers, making a 1-2 scoreline in favor of the Czech Republic a likely outcome as the promotion race heats up.
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