Prediction | ||
Spain to Win | 1.44 | 1.44 |
*Odds are subject to change
It’s the final two games from Euro 2024 Group B, and there’s still all to play for before the curtain drops on one of the competition’s most interesting pools. Group B was always going to go down to the wire with Spain, Italy, and Croatia sharing a bracket, and it’s lived up to expectations, gifting followers some memorable moments, eye-catching goals, and fine football. But there’s more to come on Monday evening as current leaders Spain aim to sign off in style and win the group with a 100% record from three games.
Spain has already ensured they will progress to the knockout stages, and they’re most likely to go forward as Group B champions. That gives football fans and bettors a problem to solve. Will Spain continue to press and finish the group with three wins from three games, or will they rest and rotate the squad, bringing a freshness that will allow some of the more regular starters to recover ahead of what’s certain to be a gruelling knockout phase? Keep reading our Spain vs Albania preview and learn more about the game and our predictions.
- Location: Dusseldorf
- Stadium: Merkur Spiel-Arena
- Date: 24 June 2024
- Kick-Off Time: 21:00 CEST (20:00 BST)
- Referee: Glenn Nyberg
- VAR: Christian Dingert
Albania Team News
Albania deserves credit for making it to the Euros and flying their flag on the big stage, but even the most loyal of supporters knew the team faced an uphill struggle in Group B. Albania enter game three from Group B with their stats showing one draw and a point from two games from a possible six. They started with a loss to Italy before firing back to snatch a share of the spoils against Croatia, scoring a late equaliser.
Albania was fantastic during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Croatia. They were written off before the start but stayed in the game, took the knocks, battled, and then scored the opportunities that came their way. Gjasula netted a leveller with 95 minutes on the clock, proving it’s dangerous to ever write this team off, even when they look beat. The coaching staff has no fresh injury worries and aims to go out with a bang. A surprise win over Spain could keep them in the running.
Spain Team News
Spain hasn’t put a foot wrong at Euro 2024 so far, and they’re looking every inch like a possible champion. The Red Fury entered this summer’s competition with three European Cups glistening in their trophy cabinet, making them the joint most successful team with Germany. Will the Spanish go all the way and bank a fourth gong to become Europe’s most successful nation? Spain being crowned 2024 champion certainly wouldn’t come as a shock to fans.
Spain beat Italy 1-0 on Thursday evening but was much better and more dominant than the bare scoreline suggests. The Spanish passed their opponents off the park with slick, attacking moves. Italy is famed for its tough defence and patience, meaning they absorbed much of what the Spanish threw at them. But Spain doesn’t come up against an Italian defence here but an Albanian one, and they should find gaps and scoring opportunities much easier. Spain is the red-hot favourite to add another win to their points tally.
Albania vs Spain H2H Record and Key Numbers
The head-to-head stats show Albania and Spain have met only eight times previously, and there are no surprises in the results. Spain enjoys a 8-0 lead on the H2H. The previous clash was in 2022, when the Spanish won 2-1 thanks to goals from Torres and Olmo. What’s interesting about that game is that all three goals were scored after the 75th minute, and we could see another hectic finish.
Possible Lineups
- Albania (4-2-3-1): Strakosha – Balliu, Mitaj, Djimsiti, Mihaj – Bajrami, Laci – Ramadani, Asllani, Asani – Broja
- Spain (4-3-3): Raya – Llorente, Grimaldo, Garcia, Vivian – Cubarsi, Pedri, Baena – Morata, Torres, Perez
Where to Watch Albania vs Spain Euro 2024 – TV and Online Live Streaming
Albania plays Spain live on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer. Both Group B games are on Monday evening, and BBC covers all the build-up, live coverage, and expert analysis. Watch on TV or on the move using your Android or iOS device. TV Klan will be the channel you need to watch the game in Albania, while in Spain the match will be broadcasted live on TVE.
Prediction
I expect Spain to rest a few players here while Albania pushes hard for a win that might keep them in the competition. But Spain is a cut above this year and has been the most exciting team in the opening two games. If they are anywhere near their best, they will have enough skill and experience to land another three points and progress in style.
More stats and odds for Albania vs Spain are available on our tips page for the game.