Albania vs Spain Predictions

Albania take on already qualified Spain at the Düsseldorf Arena in their last fixture of Group B at EURO 2024 in an attempt to qualify for the round of 16, something which all teams in this group are still capable of reaching depending on the results tonight.

🇦🇱𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘🇦🇱

📌 Albania🇦🇱 - 🇪🇸Spain
🏟 Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf🇩🇪
⌚️ 21:00
📺 SuperSport / Klan Tv

#ALBSPA | #EURO2024 🇦🇱🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/ewipvEsHyZ

— Albanian Football (@AlbaniaFooty) June 24, 2024

The performance against the Vatreni on Wednesday showed how much passion Albania have to get through to the knockout stages, and that 2-2 draw means that it’s all riding on their extremely difficult final match against Spain.

Despite being dropped into the group of death, the Eagles have performed quite well and the fact that Spain have already won the group means that they might put out a slightly weaker side, giving Sylvinho’s side hope of being able to progress to the next round of the competition.

However, Spain are yet to concede a goal in this tournament, and after a win against reigning champions Italy, they will have all the confidence that they can finish the group stage with maximum points.

GROUP B CURRENT STANDINGS

What Albania ideally need to happen is for them to beat Spain, end up with a better goal difference than Croatia, and for Croatia to beat Italy. However, this seems unlikely given how strong Spain have been at the back. If Albania manage to draw with La Roja, then they may still be able to go through in third place, as long as Croatia don’t beat Italy, so it really is all in their hands.

While Spain will be most concerned by the fact they are likely to be facing Germany in the quarter finals in a couple of weeks, this match against Albania won’t be an easy feat, as Albania will likely go all out in their attack in an attempt to get out of the group for the first time in their history.

ALBANIA TEAM NEWS

There is no fresh injury news from the Albanian camp, and the lineup is set to be similar to their last two games, however there may be one or two switch ups to bring in the likes of Gjasula who scored their 95th minute equaliser against Croatia on Wednesday. Mirlind Daku has been suspended by UEFA for two matches after he led anti-Serbia chants following the match on Wednesday, this means the forward wouldn’t feature for the Eagles again until the Quarter-Finals, if they make it there.

Albania's Klaus Gjasula is the first player ever to score a goal and an own goal off the bench at the Euros 😅 pic.twitter.com/qK3xyQEo1f

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 19, 2024

🚨 UEFA have suspended Mirlind Daku for two matches for his chants against Macedonia.

Daku will miss a crucial match against Spain for Albania, as well as the first knockout round, if Albania qualify. pic.twitter.com/SRdXaaiV7I

— Football Macedonia (@MacedonianFoot_) June 23, 2024

SPAIN TEAM NEWS

It will be a very changed side for La Roja, as confirmed by Luis de la Fuente, with the big name missing out being Rodri, who is suspended for the fixture after receiving two yellow cards so far this tournament. The Spanish boss has also confirmed that Ayoze Perez and Nacho are out of contention to play due to muscular issues. We should expect to see a lot of players today for Spain that may not have had any minutes so far this tournament, perhaps even a change in goal.

ALBANIA VS SPAIN PREVIOUS RESULTS

The two sides have faced each other eight times in all competitions, with Spain winning on all eight occasions. The most recent clash being the international friendly in March 2022 in which Spain won 2-1 after Dani Olmo scored a winner in the 90th minute.

ALBANIA VS SPAIN PREDICTION

Albania 0-2 Spain

Despite Spain most likely fielding a second XI and Albania needing to throw everything at the game, de la Fuente’s tactics are seemingly squad-deep and it is very hard to see past a comfortable win for La Roja after their impressive performances so far in this tournament. Their defence is simply too strong.