A key matchup is on the line in Sunday's Euro 2024 qualifier, as Albany will face their Group E opponents in Tirana. After four games, both teams trail the Czech Republic for the top two spots, which would guarantee them entry into Germany next summer. Poland, meanwhile, are a point behind the hosts before they take on Albania this weekend.
Albany maintained their second place in the Group E standings with a 1-1 win against leaders Czechoslovakia on Thursday, as Nedim Bajrami's equalizer canceled out Vaclav Cerny's second-half goal at Fortuna Arena. Despite their hosts opening the scoring in the 56th minute, the 'Eagles' of Albania soon struck back when Bajrami capitalized on a mistake and found the corner to equalize in Prague.
As a result, the Czechs now lead the tight group with eight points, followed by Albania on seven; Poland have six, Moldova five and only the Faro** island is effectively out of the tournament. Albania's performances under Selvinho have started people dreaming of another Europa League appearance, which would be Albania's second final after the 2016 Cup. After failing to win a Europa League game, Albania made it through the June internationals with victories over Moldova and Faro** Island, both of which featured goals from Sassuolo star Bajrami, who has now scored three goals in four UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying matches. Only the top two in each group are guaranteed a trip to Germany, so former Lyon coach Servinho will now be keen to maintain his side's unbeaten record in the October international window.
Despite beating Albania 1-0 in the first leg, Poland have already suffered two defeats in Group E, with the drubbing in Moldova sparking calls for change. In Warsaw, despite dominating possession, Poland once again relied on superstar Robert Lewandowski to **close the gap, with the Barcelona shot-stopper scoring twice in the final 20 minutes to secure a 2-0 victory. Although they started the road to a possible fifth major tournament final by losing to the Czech Republic in their opening game and then faltering again in Moldova, the team, now coached by former Europa League winner Fernando Santos, have a lot of work to do in the coming months.
However, a victory in Albania would make it a successful September for the 2016 quarter-finalists, who would also secure an important top-two spot at the expense of the hosts.
Albania's probable starting XI: Berisha; Haisai, Ismaili, Gimisti, Mita'i; Ramadani, Aslani; Asani, Bajrami, Seferi; Zikalehi
Poland's likely starting XI: Szczesny; Kaszcz, Kodziola, Bednarek, Kiviol; Skolas, Linnetti, Zieliński, Kaminski; Milik, Lewandowski
MATCH PREDICTION: Albany 1-2 Poland, Poland is likely to complete the double against Albania, as their sense of dominance in Sunday's match should allow them to split the points. While there were a few bumps in the road during the course of the game for many of the sports pundit's panel favorites, they will surely make their way back to Germany, although the hosts won't be making life any easier in the atmosphere of Tirana.
