Sports Mole reviews Saturday’s UEFA Nations League match between Albania and the Czech Republic, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Albania and the Czech Republic, leaders of Group A in the European Nations League, compete on Saturday evening to qualify for the first division in the European Nations League.
The Czechs travel to Tirana after defeating their Albanian counterpart in Prague last month, leaving them one point behind the lead with two rounds to go.
Preview the match
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After opening their 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-1 win away to Ukraine in September, Albania’s bid for first place in Group A faltered, following defeats to Georgia and the Czech Republic.
Sylvinho’s side completed their October camp on a high note, beating Georgia 1-0 in Tbilisi thanks to Christian Aslani’s second-half goal.
With six points to their credit so far – one ahead of the Czech Republic but also just two ahead of bottom-placed Ukraine – Albania’s fate cannot be decided until the final round of play, whatever the result this weekend.
The final two matches will be played in Tirana, so Sylvinho can at least aim to finish in second place, which would give Kokisengti a promotion play-off.
Reaching the A League and mixing with Europe’s elite would bring an end to several years of steady progress for Albanian football, but the risk of relegation to the C League has not yet been ruled out.
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Like the host country, the Czech Republic made an early exit from Euro 2024, and they were certainly reeling from the effects of a group stage exit when they lost 4-1 to Georgia in their first Group A match.
After defeating Ukraine in a five-goal thriller just a few days later, the Czechs launched a powerful comeback and eventually edged out Georgia by taking four points from two matches in October.
Ivan Hasek’s side achieved their first win over visiting Albania 2-0, with Tomas Çori scoring twice, before drawing 1-1 with Ukraine in Wroclaw.
Having been demoted from League A in the last Nations League, promotion to the top flight has been their only target throughout the current season, and they can now secure top spot with at least one game to go.
If they win on Saturday and Georgia loses to Ukraine, no one will be able to catch them next week, when the group stage comes to an end.
Albanian Nations League format:
Albania lineup (all competitions):
Czech Nations League format:
Czech Republic format (all competitions):
Team news
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Albania’s preparations for two consecutive matches at home were disrupted due to a foot injury suffered by Besiktas striker Ernest Musi in training, which means that his presence against the Czech Republic is in doubt.
Armando Broga – on loan to Everton from parent club Chelsea this season – remains absent from Sylvinho’s squad, along with Rai Manaj, so Czech-based striker Andret Tocci will compete with Merlind Dakho to start up front.
Experienced defenders Marash Kumbula and Berat Djemseti have already withdrawn, leaving the home side with some holes to fill in defence.
For the first time, 19-year-old midfielder Vita Vittai will be called up to the first team, but several familiar faces will headline the home team’s starting line-up: captain El Sayed Hisay of Lazio, Inter Milan playmaker Cristian Asllani, and Rangers striker Nedim. Baghrami.
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic will once again be without star striker Patrik Schick, who is set to remain at Leverkusen due to a minor injury, amid allegations of a rift with coach Ivan Hasek.
The visitors also saw defensive trio Ladislav Krejci, Martin Vitek and David Zema withdraw this week, as well as Viktoria Plzeň midfielder Lukas Kalvac.
In Cech’s continued absence, Tomas Tchore – whose goals decided the return leg last month – should lead the line, supported by Bajrami’s Glasgow team-mate Vaclav Cerny.
Albania possible lineup:
Strakosha. Hisaj, Ismaili, Ajeti, Maytag; Aslani, Ramadan; Asani, Bajrami, Hoxha; Tosi
The starting lineup of the Czech national team:
Kovar. Koval, Jamelka, Holz, Burrell; Soucek, Surf. Cerny, Solek, Provod; Korean
We say: Albania 1-2 Czechs
In a very balanced group, there is not much to choose between the four countries, but the Czech Republic has momentum on its side and could come out on top.
Both teams are missing complete defenders, which could help either attack, and many goals should be guaranteed in Tirana.
To analyze data on most likely scores, scores and more for this match, please click here.
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