UEFA Nations League | League B

Oct 11, 2024 at 7.45pm UK

Epet Arena

Albania national football team

Czech Republic vs Albania

Match preview

The Czech Republic were on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline in their opening Nations League fixture, after finding themselves four goals down inside 66 minutes. This was the latest setback for the Czech side, who had already been on the receiving end of an enterprising Georgia side.

Ivan Hasek's side had already exited Euro 2024 in the group stage, so they were hoping to kick off their quest for promotion back to League A with a win. However, they soon recovered from that setback by beating Ukraine in a five-goal thriller just three days later.

Pavel Sulc scored twice in the first half to put the team ahead 2-1, and then Tomas Soucek scored a late penalty to make it look like the points were secure. But the Ukrainians came back strong and made it a tense finish.

Since taking over in January, Hasek has led the team to victory in four of their first five games. However, the Czech Republic's performance has declined in recent times, even during his tenure.

They were relegated from the Nations League's top tier in 2023 and now they're in third place in their League B group. The winners get automatic promotion, and the runners-up have to play in a playoff.

With Bundesliga stars Patrick Schick and Adam Hlozek being backed by several home-based attackers, at least scoring goals has not been an issue. They've been on a 12-match scoring streak since being shut out by Albania last November.

The last time these nations met was in Euro 2024 qualifying. Albania won 3-0 at home and drew 1-1 in Prague. Nedim Bajrami scored the equaliser on their most recent visit to the Czech capital.

Like Friday's hosts, Sylvinho's side were beaten by Georgia last month but also defeated Ukraine, so they're currently three points behind the top spot in Group 1.

They also have something in common with the Czechs, having also gone out at the group stage of Euro 2024. The Red and Blacks ultimately failed to break new ground by reaching the knockout phase in their second European Championship finals.

In September, Albania started their second straight League B campaign in the Nations League. They previously finished third with just two points, barely avoiding relegation due to Russia's expulsion.

Before their latest away games – they're also playing Georgia next week – Albania have only won two of their 14 away games since the end of 2021. So even if they avoid defeat, it'll be a good result.

Recent Performance

Czech Republic Nations League form:LW

Czech Republic form (all competitions):WLDLLW

Albania Nations League form:WL

Albania form (all competitions):WLDLWL

Injuries and suspensions

Czech Republic

No sidelined players

Albania

6 Berat Djimsiti

11 Myrto Uzuni

Possible starting lineups

Czech Republic(4-3-3)

1Kovár(GK)

5Coufal(DR)

7Krejcí(DC)

6Vitík(DC)

8Zeleny(DL)

22Soucek(MC)

15Sulc(MC)

12Cerv(MC)

17Cerny(FWR)

10Schick(FW)

14Provod(FWL)

Albania(4-2-3-1)

1Strakosha(GK)

4Hysaj(DR)

5Kumbulla(DC)

18Ismajli(DC)

3Mitaj(DL)

21Asllani(DMC)

20Ramadani(DMC)

9Asani(AMR)

10Bajrami(AMC)

8Hoxha(AML)

7Manaj(FW)