European Championship
Jun 24, 2024 8.00pm
0
1
HT : 0 1
FT Merkur Spiel-Arena
  • Nedim Bajrami 66' yellowcard
  • Medon Berisha 89' yellowcard
  • goal Ferran Torres 13'
  • yellowcard Daniel Vivian 90'

How Albania could line up against Spain

How Albania could line up against Spain

Albania head coach Sylvinho is expected to be working with a fully-fit contingent for Monday's crucial Euro 2024 Group B showdown against Spain in Dusseldorf, barring the banned Mirlind Daku.

The Red and Blacks salvaged a point in a last-gasp 2-2 draw with Croatia last time out, leaving them third in the section and still capable of pipping reigning champions Italy to a second-placed finish.

Albania's injury-time equaliser versus Croatia was provided by Klaus Gjasula - who had scored past his own goalkeeper mere moments before - but he is one of four players who must tread carefully.

Armando Broja, Elseid Hysaj and Arber Hoxha are also at risk of missing any last-16 clash if they pick up a yellow card on Monday, while Daku has picked up a two-game ban for making offensive chants against Serbia and North Macedonia through a megaphone following the draw with Croatia.

In terms of available players, vice-captain Hysaj should win his 87th cap - taking him closer to Lorik Cana's all-time record of 93 - at right-back, as part of an unchanged rearguard also comprising Thomas Strakosha, Berat Djimsiti, Arlind Ajeti and Mario Mitaj.

Gjasula's pivotal equaliser on matchday two should not see the 34-year-old force his way into the engine room over Kristjan Asllani or Ylber Ramadani, though, while fellow goalscorer Qazim Laci should continue in the advanced slot.

Attacking trio Rey Manaj, Jasir Asani and Nedim Bajrami - scorer of the quickest goal the men's Euros has ever seen - reprising their roles would see the Albanians field an untouched XI, as Broja takes his seat on the bench again.

Albania possible starting lineup: Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani; Asani, Laci, Bajrami; Manaj

> Click here to see how Spain could line up for this match

POLL
Who will win Monday's European Championship clash between Albania and Spain?
Albania 15%
Draw 12%
Spain 72%
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