Overview
Albania’s form is not really stable at the moment. In the last 7 matches, coach Sylvinho’s team has only won 2 and lost 4 times. They have shown weakness in attack when they have only scored 1 goal in the last 3 matches and have failed to score in 3/5 of the last matches.
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic are unbeaten in three consecutive matches (W2 D1), including a 2-0 win over Albania last month. Before Matchday 5, Ivan Hasek's team were leading League B Group 1 with 7 points. Another win over Albania would significantly boost their chances of securing direct promotion to the Nations League.
The Czech Republic have a formidable strike duo in Tomas Chory and Pavel Sulc. The pair have scored two goals each in this year's Nations League and have also been in impressive form at club level.
Chory has 8 goals and 5 assists for Slavia Prague while Sulc has contributed 6 goals and 5 assists for Viktoria Plzen. They are expected to continue to shine in this training session.
The Czech Republic have won 2, drawn 1 and lost 1 against Albania in their 4 previous encounters. With a higher rating and good form, Ivan Hasek's team is likely to take all 3 points.
Human resources situation
Albania have a number of personnel problems ahead of their match against the Czech Republic. Striker Ernest Muci is injured and is doubtful to play. Armando Broja and Rey Manaj remain absent, leaving them short of attacking options.
In the home team's defense, Marash Kumbulla and Berat Djimsiti also cannot participate due to injury.
On the other side of the front line, Patrik Schick continues to be absent due to injury and conflict with the coach. Tomas Chory, the player who scored the decisive goal in the first leg, will lead the Czech Republic's attack with Vaclav Cerny.
Expected lineup:
Albania: Strakosha, Hysaj, Ismajli, Ajeti, Mitaj, Asllani, Ramadani, Asani, Bajrami, Hoxha, Tuci.
Czech Republic: Kovar, Coufal, Jemelka, Holes, Boril, Soucek, Cerv, Cerny, Sulc, Provod, Chory.
The match between Albania and the Czech Republic takes place at 2:45 a.m. on November 17 (Vietnam time).
