Prediction: Albania vs Spain

Verdict: Spain win

Best odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: Unibet

Having already secured their place as winners of Euro 2024 Group B, Spain face an Albania team still vying for a spot in the last 16 at the Merkur Spiel-Arena on Monday night.

La Roja clinched their position in the knockout stages by defeating reigning champions Italy 1-0, while Sylvinho’s side currently occupy third place following a thrilling comeback to draw 2-2 with Croatia.

Albania

In a dramatic turn of events at the Volksparkstadion, Albania midfielder Klaus Gjasula experienced a whirlwind of emotions during their match against Croatia. Initially, Gjasula seemed to have sealed a heart-wrenching defeat for his team by scoring an unfortunate own goal, which occurred just four minutes after he came off the bench, following goals from Qazim Laci and Andrej Kramaric.

However, Gjasula’s fortunes reversed dramatically with a sensational 95th-minute equalizer, redeeming his earlier error and salvaging a 2-2 draw for Albania. Without his crucial last-gasp intervention, Albania would be on their way home, but instead, Sylvinho’s squad clings to third place, keeping their hopes for a historic knockout stage berth alive.

Albania sit above Croatia on goal difference and can finish second if they manage an upset against Spain and Croatia defeats Italy by no more than two goals. Advancing as one of the four best third-placed teams remains within reach.

However, achieving these scenarios requires Albania to do what neither Croatia nor Italy have managed at this tournament: score against or take a point from Spain. With La Roja already assured of progressing, they might not be as formidable, potentially giving Albania a glimmer of hope.

Team News

Despite Albania having four players on the verge of suspension—Armando Broja, Klaus Gjasula, Elseid Hysaj, and Arber Hoxha, who would miss any potential last-16 match if booked—Sylvinho is expected to disregard these concerns when choosing his lineup for Monday’s clash. However, he won’t be able to call upon forward Mirlind Daku, who has been banned for two matches for anti-Serbian discriminatory chanting at the game against Croatia.

On the other hand, the Red and Blacks have no injury or fitness issues. Gjasula’s dramatic equalizer against Croatia might have given Sylvinho something to consider regarding midfield selection.

However, the Albanian manager, formerly of Arsenal, Manchester City, and Barcelona, is likely to stick with the same starting eleven that faced the 2018 World Cup finalists. This means Rey Manaj is expected to start up front again, preferred over Chelsea’s Armando Broja, who also had a difficult loan period at Fulham last season.

Spain

Five days after their emphatic 3-0 victory over Croatia—an early statement of intent—Spain secured a 1-0 win against Italy in a pivotal clash of European heavyweights, with own goals playing a decisive role. Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal in the 55th minute sealed Spain’s win, ensuring their top spot in Group B and progression to the knockout stages.

Accumulating six points, with four goals scored and none conceded, Spain have demonstrated their strength and emerged as serious contenders for the trophy, despite not being heavily favored before the tournament started. They have effectively navigated the “group of death,” showcasing their immense quality.

By leading Group B, Luis de la Fuente’s squad will face one of the best third-placed teams from Groups A, D, E, or F in the last-16, potentially setting up a quarter-final against host nation Germany on July 5.

Currently, Spain aim to extend their winning streak to five matches across all competitions and finish Group B with a perfect record. Historically, they have dominated Albania, winning all eight of their previous encounters in men’s international play.

Team News

With Spain’s top spot in Group B already secured, Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that he will make several changes for Monday’s game. One of these will be necessitated by Rodri’s suspension, as he must sit out due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

Additionally, centre-back Nacho and winger Ayoze Perez, who were both hoping to start, may miss out due to muscle and hamstring issues respectively. Given their current position, de la Fuente is likely to avoid any unnecessary risks with his lineup in Dusseldorf.

Martin Zubimendi is the likely candidate to step in for Rodri in midfield. Others who may see action include Mikel Oyarzabal, Mikel Merino, Ferran Torres, Alejandro Grimaldo, veteran Jesus Navas, and potentially even goalkeeper David Raya.

Conclusion

Given the depth of talent in Spain’s squad, De la Fuente could feasibly rotate nearly the entire starting lineup and still secure a comfortable victory in Düsseldorf. Even facing an Albania side with much at stake, Spain’s backup players, keen to prove their worth, are likely to outclass their opponents.

Sylvinho’s Albania has delivered commendable performances against Italy and Croatia, but the challenge of even a second-string Spain team may be too formidable. Consequently, Albania seems poised to exit at the group stage.

Verdict: Spain win

Best odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: Unibet