ALBANIA have defied the prophets of doom in Euro 2024's Group of Death and head into the final game against Spain knowing a victory should be enough to take them into the last 16 against the odds.
Most people wrote the Albanians off when the draw was made and they were pitted against not only the slick Spaniards but Croatia and Italy too.
But they gave the Azzurri an early scare in the opener by netting in the first minute before eventually losing 2-1 and secured a precious point in the dying seconds as they drew 2-2 with the Croats.
That game was one of the best of the tournament so far and our man Gabriel was certainly happy as it brought up two bets for him.
Now Sylvinho's side will try to shock the Spaniards and they might stand a chance given Luis de la Fuente's side are already through and could rest a few of their big hitters.
Spain were considered dark horses before action got underway in Germany but have arguably been the most impressive side so far after following up a 3-0 win over Croatia by beating Italy 1-0 as two bets landed for me.
De la Fuente has a vibrant, young squad and another victory in the final group game would send them into the knockout stages with confidence soaring.
How the bookies view it: Spaniards still heavy favourites
Despite having nothing to play for with top spot in the group pretty much wrapped up, Spain are red-hot favourites at just 4/9 with Betfred. Albania are 13/2 outsiders and the draw pays 18/5.
Head to head: Albanians out to end the curse
These sides have only faced off three times before and Spain have a perfect record in the fixture, winning every game. Albania have only scored once against the Spaniards but that came in the last meeting, a 2-1 friendly defeat two years ago.
Last five H2H duels:
- 26/03/2022 (International Friendly) – Spain 2-1 Albania
- 06/10/2017 (World Cup Qualifiers) – Spain 3-0 Albania
- 09/10/2016 (World Cup Qualifiers) – Albania 0-2 Spain
- 22/09/1993 (World Cup Qualifiers) – Albania 1-5 Spain
- 22/04/1992 (World Cup Qualifiers) – Spain 3-0 Albania
Players to watch: Mikel out to press his claims
I'd imagine De la Fuente will make a few changes to keep his players fresh for their last 16 clash. Mikel Oyarzabal has come off the bench in the first two games and the winger could earn a start here. He netted four times in the warm-up games with Northern Ireland and Andorra so looks good value at 7/4 for anytime scorer.
The Albanians will be looking for star man Nedim Bajrami to sprinkle some stardust again. He scored in the loss to Italy and the Sassuolo winger looks a bit overpriced at 5/1 for a goal here.
Probable line-ups
Expect plenty of changes from Spain ahead of their last-16 tie but Albania should be along similar lines to the side that claimed a battling point against Croatia. Klaus Gjasula will be hoping his late leveller off the bench earns him a starting slot.
Albania: Srakosha, Mitaj, Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Gjasula, Bajrami, Laci, Ramadani, Asllani, Manaj
Spain: Simon, Navas, Nacho, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella, Ruiz, Zubimendi, F Lopez, Torres, Oryazabal, Perez.
Anything else catch the eye?
Albania need to go for it so this should be a good watch, especially as Spain always play on the front foot. BTTS and over 2.5 goals has come up in both of Albania's games so far and it pays 13/10 with Betfred here.
Spain will probably dominate possession and we could see a few meaty Albanian challenges as they try to get the ball back and launch counter attacks. That makes Albania worth backing at -1o in the booking points handicap which pays 11/8.
Sylvinho's side might play it cagey at first, try to stay in the game then go on the attack later on. So backing most goals to come in the second half appeals at 21/20.
This Euro 2024 match between Albania and Spain will be played on Jun 24, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Albania vs Spain prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
