Preview: Czech Republic vs. Albania - prediction, team news, lineups

Concluding their preparations for the upcoming Euro 2020 finals, the Czech Republic host Albania on Tuesday evening, at Prague's Generali Arena.

Following a heavy defeat in their first post-season run-out, the Czechs will aim for a sharper performance back on home soil, while their visitors want to build momentum before returning to the World Cup qualifying trail in September.

Match preview

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Having barely put up a fight against a slick Italy side in their opening pre-Euros friendly last week, now the Czech Republic set their sights on a confidence-building win over more modest opponents.

A chastening 4-0 defeat in Bologna - where the Czechs had barely a third of possession - was hardly the ideal manner in which to kick off the summer's action, just over a week before beginning their European Championship campaign against Scotland at Hampden Park.

In fact, their preparations have already been disrupted by their Scottish hosts' current COVID-19 regulations, as Jaroslav Silhavy's squad were due to train in Edinburgh throughout the summer, but are instead basing themselves at home - travelling to and from the UK for each of their group stage fixtures.

They come into their final warm-up game this week, having not only been battered by the Azzurri, but also endured a mixed start to World Cup qualifying during the last international period in March.

Though their summary dismissal of Estonia was followed by a gritty home draw with Group E favourites Belgium, the Euro 96 finalists' most recent competitive outing resulted in a disappointing defeat to Wales - when star striker Patrik Schick saw red early in the second half.

Now gearing up for a seventh successive continental finals, Silhavy's men will have a tall task in progressing from Group D, where they are set to meet England and Scotland - both of whom will enjoy home advantage - plus World Cup runners-up Croatia.

Their previous revival - the Czechs defeated England in Euro qualifying before topping their Nations League group - was built upon the back of current national champions Slavia Prague's own recent resurgence.

Former Slavia pair Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek - now starring in the Premier League with West Ham United - plus Hammers transfer target Alex Kral (currently at Spartak Moscow) are integral parts of the squad, while head coach Silhavy is a former defender and manager of the Cervenobili. Certainly, the latter will hope that his fellow Slavia alumni can help earn a morale-boosting win on Tuesday, with far tougher tests lying in wait.

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Though they qualified for Euro 2016 - being eliminated in the group stages - Albania will not be present at this summer's championships, having finished fourth in qualifying Group H - losing five of their 10 fixtures in a section also containing World Champions France and fast-improving Turkey.

The Eagles have, though, since made a positive start to the Qatar 2022 qualification process, picking up six points from their first three matches to sit third in Group I, behind England and Hungary.

Following their goalless draw with Wales on Saturday, Edoardo Reja's team have, in fact, won five of their last seven outings in all competitions, while losing just one of their last eight - emerging top of their Nations League group in the autumn.

Former Napoli and Lazio coach Reja - at 75 years old, an elder statesman of the game - was unfortunately toppled to the turf in Cardiff, as Rhys Norrington-Davies shoved Eagles striker Rey Manaj, sending him clattering into his unsuspecting manager. Thankfully, Reja has since recovered, so will be present to plot his adopted nation's latest attempt at turning over another higher-ranked side this week.

Team News

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The hosts are set to field Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick up front, after Michael Krmencik drew a blank in Italy. The versatile left-footer was the Czechs' top scorer in qualifying but has a point to prove after his costly red card in their last World Cup qualifying tie.

Having started on the bench at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, Tomas Soucek is likely to join captain Vladimir Darida in central midfield, with the latter preparing for a third consecutive European Championship finals appearance later this month. In goal, Sevilla's Tomas Vaclik is in contention to replace Jiri Pavlenka.

Slavia Prague pair Ondrej Kudela and Lukas Provod - who netted in the draw against Belgium - represent the major absences for Jaroslav Silhavy's side, as Provod misses out with a knee injury and centre-back Kudela is banned, as he serves a 10-match suspension for racial abuse of an opponent.

Albania, meanwhile, have added a number of inexperienced faces to an ageing group this summer; including three uncapped goalkeepers in their squad - with Gentian Selmani making his debut versus Wales and favourite to start again in Prague.

The visitors will most probably retain their three-man central defence on Tuesday, with Serie A trio Berat Djimsiti, Ardian Ismajli and Marash Kumbulla set start once more, as coach Edy Reja prefers stability and a cautious approach.

Leading goalscorer among active Albania players, Sokol Cikalleshi is also likely to feature - after being benched on Saturday - taking the place of Bekim Balaj alongside Rey Manaj up front.

Czech Republic possible starting lineup:
Vaclik; Coufal, Zima, Celustka, Boril; Soucek, Kral; Jankto, Darida, Hlozek; Schick

Albania possible starting lineup:
Selmani; Kumbulla, Djimsiti, Ismajli; Laci, Abrashi, Ramadani, Bare, Lenjani; Manaj, Cikalleshi

We say: Czech Republic 1-0 Albania

As well-drilled Albania have conceded only twice in their last four games - with clean sheets in both of their last two - it is unlikely that the Czech Republic can set off for Glasgow with a hatful of goals to boost their spirits.

Instead, the able - but far from prolific - home side can eke out a win, while allowing several squad members their chance to stake a claim to start against Scotland next week.