Euro 2024: Albania vs Spain tips and predictions – Spain to deny Albania chance to qualify

A late equaliser from Klaus Gjasula earned Albania a point against Croatia giving them a fighting chance of making the Round of 16.

Meanwhile, their next opponent has fared a lot better as Spain comfortably beat Croatia and secured an important victory over the Italians.

The two victories mean Spain have already qualified for the latter stages with a game to spare but they will be gunning for victory to round off a perfect Group B.

La Roja has entertained audiences with their exciting style of play and the young stars of Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Nico Williams.

 

 

However, Albania has been equally entertaining after scoring the quickest goal in the history of the European Championships (23 seconds against Italy).

After not dominating possession in their 3-0 victory over Croatia, Spain had 57% against Italy and 20 shots compared to Italy’s mere four shots.

They’ve also not conceded a goal so far in this competition as it could be too much of a challenge for Albania to take any points off them.

If Albania are to get a result they will need to see an improvement in their defensive abilities as a team, as they have had just one clean sheet in their last six matches.

Although, as seen with their late equaliser versus Croatia, this team has a lot of fight in them and is capable of scoring a few goals against the bigger sides.

We still expect that Spain will come out on top against Albania as they should have too much quality for Sylvinho’s side.

Spain to keep a clean sheet could be the way to go considering the form of the two teams.

 

Team news

No fresh injuries for either side but Spain is expected to make a lot of changes with them being unlikely to be overtaken for the top spot of Group B.
The likes of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Pedri, Rodri, Alvaro Morata and many more stars could be rested as Ferran Torres, Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal could make their first starts in the competition.
Albania made two changes in their last match as Qazim Laci and Rey Manaj came in for Armando Broja and Taulant Seferi.
Laci is expected to keep his place after scoring and Gjasula could start after his goal against Croatia.

 

Key stats

-    Spain has kept three clean sheets in their last five games conceding only four goals
-    Albania are yet to beat Spain in eight previous meetings, including their 2-1 defeat to Spain in an international friendly back in 2022
-    Albania have scored nine goals in their last six games.
-    Spain are the joint most successful team in European Championships with three tournament victories (Tied with holders Germany)

 

Suggested bets

Match result- Spain to win
Spain to keep a clean sheet
Over 2.5 goals