Preview: Albania vs. Poland - prediction, team news, lineups

A crucial clash in Euro 2024 qualifying takes place on Sunday, as Albania welcome Group E rivals Poland to Tirana.

After four matches, both teams trail Czech Republic in the race for a top-two finish, which would secure a spot in Germany for next summer - and Poland are a point behind their hosts heading into the weekend.

Match preview

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Keeping their grip on second spot in the Group E standings, Albania fought out a 1-1 draw with leaders Czech Republic on Thursday, when Nedim Bajrami's equaliser cancelled out a second-half Vaclav Cerny strike at Fortuna Arena.

Though their hosts opened the scoring in the 56th minute, the Eagles struck back soon after, when Bajrami seized on an error and found the top corner to level matters in Prague.

As a result, the Czechs now top a tight group on eight points, followed by Albania on seven; Poland have six, and Moldova five, with only Faroe Islands effectively out of the running.

Sylvinho's side have started in such a manner that dreams of reaching another Euros could be realised, eight years after Albania made the finals for the first and only time at France 2016.

Following a winless UEFA Nations League campaign, the Albanians went up a gear in June's international period, with wins over Moldova and the Faroe Islands both featuring goals from Sassuolo star Bajrami, who now has three in four Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Only the top two in each group will guarantee their ticket for Germany, so ex-Lyon coach Sylvinho will now be keen to keep his team's unbeaten streak intact heading into October's international window.

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Though they beat Albania 1-0 in the reverse fixture, Poland have already suffered two defeats in Group E, with a humbling loss to Moldova causing much clamour for change during the summer.

After letting a two-goal lead slip in Chisinau, the Poles reconvened this week with a restorative victory in mind, but it took more time than expected to break down an obdurate Faroe Islands side on Thursday evening.

Despite dominating the ball in Warsaw, Poland again relied on star striker Robert Lewandowski to make the difference, as the Barcelona sharpshooter struck twice during the final 20 minutes to secure a 2-0 win.

Having set out on the road to a potential fifth straight major tournament finals by losing to the Czech Republic in their opener, then later slipped up in Moldova, the team now coached by former Euros winner Fernando Santos still have plenty of work to do in the months ahead.

Nonetheless, victory in Albania would represent a successful September for the 2016 quarter-finalists, and they would also take a place in the all-important top two at their hosts' expense.

Team News

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Three days on from their draw with the Czech Republic, a similar Albania XI should start against Poland on Sunday evening, with experienced striker Sokol Cikalleshi leading the line up front.

The 33-year-old is almost assured of selection given Armando Broja's ongoing absence, while Roma defender Marash Kumbulla is another injury absentee for the hosts.

Albania skipper Etrit Berisha should start behind a back four featuring vice-captain Elseid Hysaj, and another Italy-based player, Nedim Bajrami, will aim to add to his tally of three Group F goals from midfield.

While Cikalleshi has scored only 12 times in 55 international appearances, Poland captain Robert Lewandowski now has a record of 27 goals in 35 European qualifiers following his midweek brace against Faroe Islands.

Arkadiusz Milik is again set to join him up front, though Charlotte FC striker Karol Swiderski - who scored the only goal when these teams met in March - is also a contender.

With Nicola Zalewski ruled out by a thigh injury, Bartosz Bereszynski and Matty Cash will battle it out to start at right-back.

Albania possible starting lineup:
Berisha; Hysaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Ramadani, Asllani; Asani, Bajrami, Seferi; Cikalleshi

Poland possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Cash, Kedziora, Bednarek, Kiwior; Skoras, Linetty, Zielinski, Kaminski; Milik, Lewandowski

We say: Albania 1-2 Poland

Poland can do the double over their fellow Eagles, as their superior firepower should separate the sides on Sunday. After some bumps in the road, many pundits' group favourites are bound to get back on track for a trip to Germany next summer - though the hosts will not make life easy amid a febrile atmosphere in Tirana.


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