Albania take to the field today for a match that carries major weight in their Nations League campaign. Belarus stand in their way in the final Group C1 match, with the Red and Blacks looking to finish with no unfinished business against their rivals.
A match that leaves no room for distraction
The Albanian team go into this encounter from first place in the group with 9 points, which makes the importance of the final 90 minutes of this phase even clearer. On a night like this, every absence and every lineup choice carries special weight.
The objective is for Albania to control their own fate and not leave the verdict to combinations of results. In a match with high pressure, concentration and balance in play are expected to be decisive.
Ramadani out, midfield changes
The most significant absence in the lineup concerns Ylber Ramadani, who misses the match due to yellow-card suspension. This forces the coaching staff to intervene in a key department, where Juljan Shehu is expected to start alongside Kristjan Asllani.
The pair in central midfield will have the burden of setting the tempo and maintaining the team’s balance in a match where mistakes could cost more than usual.
Muçi remains a question mark in attack
Another dilemma ahead of the match concerns Ernest Muçi, who according to pre-match information has physical problems and remains doubtful. If he is not ready, the alternative seen as closest to the starting lineup is Hoxha.
In attack, Hoxha is expected to play alongside Laçi behind Rey Manaj, who remains the main reference point at the top of the attack. That would give Albania a mobile front line, but also one shaped by several changes forced by the circumstances.
How Albania are expected to line up
The expected system is 3-4-2-1. Berisha is forecast in goal, with Ismajli, Gjimshiti and Mitaj in defense. On the flanks, Hysaj is expected on the left and Pilo on the right, with duties both in the defensive phase and in supporting the attack.
In midfield, Shehu and Asllani are expected, while Hoxha and Laçi could be positioned behind Manaj. It is a lineup with several forced adjustments, but with the same aim: to finish this Group C1 campaign with a positive result.
Albania vs Belarus is played today at 18:00.
The Red and Blacks go into this clash with the advantage of top spot, but also with the obligation to turn that lead into a surprise-free finish to the group.