A solitary point separates Albania and Poland in Group E as the two nations prepare to lock horns in Euro 2024 qualifying on Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- Albania played out a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic on Thursday
- Meanwhile, Poland claimed a 2-0 victory over the Faroe Islands
- Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski scored both goals against the Faroe Islands
Group E remains wide open after four games, with the top four teams separated by just three points. Albania and Poland are sandwiched between the Czech Republic and Moldova, while the Faroe Islands are cut adrift at the bottom.
Albania Form
Funnily enough, Albania started their qualifying campaign with a trip to Poland, although they suffered a 1-0 defeat in Warsaw back in March. Since then, however, the Red and Blacks have taken seven points from a possible nine to strengthen their qualification bid.
Managed by former Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester City left-back Sylvinho, Albania secured back-to-back victories over Moldova and the Faroe Islands before drawing 1-1 with the Czech Republic on Thursday, keeping them within touching distance of the group leaders.
Poland Form
It would not be unfair to say that Poland have experienced an inconsistent qualifying campaign up to now. While victories over Albania and the Faroe Islands have kept the Red-Whites on track, defeats to the Czech Republic and Moldova have dented morale.
Robert Lewandoski bagged a brace as Poland beat the Faroe Islands 2-0 on Thursday, meaning Fernando Santos’ men have won three of their last four games in all competitions thanks to a 1-0 friendly victory over Germany in June. Still, there is room for improvement.
Head-to-Head
Albania have managed to win just one of their 14 previous meetings with Poland – and that victory came all the way back in 1953.
To make matters worse for the Albanians, Poland have won each of their last eight matches against the Red and Blacks, scoring 12 goals while keeping six clean sheets.
Team News
Albania manager Sylvinho will likely stick with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation on Sunday, with Sokol Cikalleshi leading the line, while Kristjan Asllani and Ylber Ramadani are expected to anchor the midfield.
On the flip side, Poland should line up a 4-4-2 formation, with Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny starting between the sticks and Arkadiusz Milik partnering Robert Lewandowski in attack.
Key Players
The hosts can call upon multiple Serie A stars, including Inter Milan’s Kristjan Asllani, Atalanta’s Berat Gjimshiti, Lazio’s Elseid Hysaj and Sassuolo’s Nedim Bajrami.
Having scored 81 goals in 143 international appearances, Lewandowski is undoubtedly Poland’s biggest threat. However, Napoli superstar Piotr Zielinski and Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash are also pivotal.
Final Thoughts
Despite losing the reverse fixture back in March, Albania will be confident of picking up a positive result this weekend. The Red and Blacks are evolving under the guidance of Sylvinho, although Lewandowski is more than capable of halting their momentum.
European Championship Qualification