Czech Republic and Albania, both tied on three points from two matches, face off in Prague on Friday as they look to close the gap on League B Group 1 leaders Georgia in the UEFA Nations League.
Match Preview
Czech Republic manager Ivan Hasek, June 2024
Czech Republic suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against an energetic Georgia side in their opening Nations League fixture, conceding four goals in the first 66 minutes. Ivan Hasek’s men had hoped for a strong start following their Euro 2024 group-stage exit but bounced back with a 3-2 win over Ukraine.
In that thrilling encounter, Pavel Šulc scored twice in the first half, putting the Czechs ahead 2-1. Despite Tomas Soucek converting a late penalty to extend their lead, Ukraine responded immediately, making for a tense finish.
After winning his first four games as head coach, Hasek has now secured just one victory in his last five outings. This downturn in form isn’t limited to Hasek’s tenure, as the Czech Republic were relegated from the Nations League’s top tier in 2023. They currently sit third in Group 1, with only the group winners earning automatic promotion, while the runners-up qualify for a playoff.
Despite the inconsistencies, the Czech side has been prolific in attack, scoring in 12 consecutive matches. Notably, they were last shut out by Albania in November during their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Elseid Hysaj of Albania, September 2024
Albania defeated Czech Republic 3-0 at home and earned a 1-1 draw in Prague during Euro 2024 qualifying, with Nedim Bajrami netting the equalizer on their last visit to the Czech capital.
Similar to their hosts, Albania also lost to Georgia last month but bounced back with a win over Ukraine. Sylvinho’s side trails group leaders Georgia by three points and, like the Czechs, exited Euro 2024 at the group stage.
In their second consecutive League B campaign, Albania avoided relegation last time thanks to Russia’s expulsion. Heading into this month’s fixtures, Albania has only won two of their 14 away matches since 2021. A positive result in Prague would be a significant achievement ahead of their trip to Georgia next week.
Team News
Czech Republic’s Patrik Schick, September 2024
Czech striker Patrik Schick will miss this fixture due to minor injuries that have affected his ability to play regularly for Bayer Leverkusen. As a result, Tomas Chory is expected to lead the line.
Defenders David Zima and Jaroslav Zeleny have withdrawn from the squad due to injuries, while Tomas Holes returns after missing the last set of games. Late call-ups for Jan Boril, Milan Havel, Robin Hranac, and Ondrej Zmrzli strengthen the squad’s depth.
Albania’s Elseid Hysaj
Albania, on the other hand, will be without forward Armando Broja, who remains sidelined, and Myrto Uzuni, who withdrew due to a calf injury. Indrit Tuci, a Sparta Prague forward, has been called in and will be on familiar ground. Mirlind Daku, now back from suspension, is likely to lead Albania’s attack.
Atalanta defender Berat Djimsiti is also unavailable, but Inter Milan midfielder Kristjan Asllani could return after recovering from a muscular injury. In Djimsiti’s absence, Albania’s defense should feature Ardian Ismajli and Marash Kumbulla, with Mario Mitaj on the left and Elseid Hysaj on the right.
Possible Lineups
Czech Republic: Kovar; Coufal, Krejci, Holes, Boril; Sulc, Soucek, Kalvach; Cerny, Chory, Hlozek
Albania: Strakosha; Hysaj, Kumbulla, Ismajli, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani; Asani, Bajrami, Seferi; Daku
Prediction
At the midpoint of this Nations League campaign, both sides will be eager to claim victory. Albania has struggled away from home, and given the Czech Republic’s scoring consistency, they should prevail in Prague and keep their hopes of winning the group alive.
Prediction: Czech Republic 2-1 Albania
