Preview: Albania vs. Czech Republic - prediction, team news, lineups

As things stand, the hosts are top of the group, two points clear of the visitors, who have a game in hand at their disposal.

Match preview

Albania have qualified for the Euros once in their history, back in 2016, but they have put themselves in a fantastic position to reach next summer's tournament, having taken 10 points from their opening five group-stage games.

As such, the Red and Blacks are two points clear of third-placed Moldova, and four points clear of fourth-placed Poland, with just three games left to play, and they finish with a favourable fixture in November, taking on the Faroe Islands at home.

Consequently, a win on Thursday night would put Sylvinho's side in a very strong position to qualify, and their previous form indicates they could be capable of doing exactly that, having gone undefeated in their past four group-stage games.

Up to this point, Albania are undefeated at home, winning both games 2-0, and they picked up a very impressive three points against Poland in their last match, with Jasir Asani and Mirlind Daku getting on the scoresheet.

In the reverse fixture against their upcoming opponents, the Eagles picked up a valuable point in Prague, and they are set for another tough test on Thursday, against Group E's only unbeaten side.

Indeed, the Czech Republic are yet to be on the receiving end of a defeat in Euro 2024 qualification, having collected eight points from their opening four games, winning two and drawing two.

Alongside their 1-1 draw against Albania, the Locomotive also picked up a point against Moldova, playing out a 0-0 draw in Chisinau, but they have looked very impressive in their other matches.

Jaroslav Silhavy's side proved they have what it takes to qualify for the Euros for the eighth time on the spin, by comfortably dispatching of Poland 3-1 in their opening game, before going on to record a comfortable 3-0 win against the Faroe Islands.

Last time out, the Czech Republic extended their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions, after drawing 1-1 away at Hungary, with Vaclav Jurecka scoring his first goal for his country since 2013.

Albania Euro Champ Qualifying form:

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Albania form (all competitions):

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Czech Republic Euro Champ Qualifying form:

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Czech Republic form (all competitions):

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Team News

Albania are set to be without centre-back Ardian Ismajli, who is missing with a knee injury, meaning Frederic Veseli could slot into the defence, alongside Berat Djimsiti.

Marash Kumbulla is still out with a long-term knee injury, so the AS Roma defender will not be involved, but Sylvinho otherwise has a fully-fit squad to choose from on Thursday night.

As for the Czech Republic, Alex Kral is suffering with a leg injury, meaning Michal Sadilek may get the nod in central midfield, alongside captain Tomas Soucek.

Jindrich Stanek is absent due to a concussion, so Jiri Pavlenka is set to keep his place between the sticks, while Patrik Schick's injury means Adam Hlozek could lead the line for the visitors.

Albania possible starting lineup:

Berisha; Hysaj, Veseli, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Ramadani, Asani, Bajrami, Asllani; Cikalleshi, Seferi

Czech Republic possible starting lineup:

Pavlenka; Holes, Brabec, Krejci; Coufal, Soucek, Sadilek, Provod; Cerny, Cvancara, Kuchta

We say: Albania 1-1 Czech Republic

Albania have surpassed expectations in their Euro 2024 qualifiers up to this point, and they could take a huge step towards booking their place in the tournament with a victory on Thursday night.

However, the two nations looked very evenly-matched in the reverse fixture, so we are expecting another draw.

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