Match day: the Red and Blacks bid to retake top spot in the group, how the team changes at “Air Albania”

Albania host San Marino and, beyond the win and the goals, coach Maran is expected to test some elements in the line-up as well.

The bitter taste left by the defeat in Finland a few days ago, more for the way it was decided by episodes against the Red and Blacks, could be erased with a convincing win today at “Air Albania”. With San Marino we close the cycle of 4 Nations League matches, with a great chance of topping the group. A win for Albania and a draw or a win for Belarus in its match against Finland would give us back top spot, with 9 points.

Today’s opponent is modest; only a few days ago we beat them 0-3 on their ground. Victory in theory is beyond question. Of interest will be how the Red and Blacks interpret these 90 minutes, how many goals they score and what changes or tests coach Maran will make with the future in mind.

The line-up will change compared with the last challenge in Finland. The first change was confirmed by the Italian coach himself: Dajsinani will guard the goal. Berisha is suspended after the red card he received against Finland and Sherri is injured.

In defence, Ismaili has had a physical workload and is likely to start from the bench today, making way for Kumbulla. Captain Gjimshiti and Mitaj are expected to complete the back three, while Pilo and Hysaj will be more advanced on the midfield flanks. In the centre of that department will be Asllani and one of Shehu and Ramadani.

For the attacking trio there may be some dilemma. Hoxha and Muçi look favoured to start from the first minute, in support of Manaj, although the latter is in a ballot with Daku. Uzuni, Seferi and Mehmeti are ready to get more minutes in this match, where the goal difference must be improved, as it could prove very important in the end. The match starts at 20:45.