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Kick-off: 7 September @ 19:45 CET
Venue: Elbasan Arena (Elbasan, Albania)
Past meetings
Portugal v Albania 0-1 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Albania v Portugal 1-2 (2010 World Cup qualifier)
Portugal v Albania 0-0 (2010 World Cup qualifier)
Portugal v Albania 5-3(International friendly)
Portugal v Albania 2-0 (1998 World Cup qualifier)
Albania
Last 5 matches:
France v Albania 1-1 (International friendly)
Italy v Albania 1-0 (International friendly)
Albania v Armenia 2-1 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Albania v France 1-0 (International friendly)
Denmark v Albania 0-0 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Team News:
Defenders Mergim Mavraj (23/3) and Debatik Curri (44/1) missed out on Albania squad for crucial qualifiers against Denmark and Portugal, but Berat Djimsiti impressed on his debut and is expected to keep his place in the side.
Napoli full-back Elseid Hysaj (14/0) is a major doubt after missing the Denmark draw through injury, whilst Ansi Agolli, Burim Kukeli and Taulant Xhaka are all one yellow card away from suspension.
Players to watch: Sokol Cikalleshi, Ermir Lenjani.
Probable starting line-up (4-1-4-1): Berisha – Djimsiti, Cana, Ajeti, Agolli – Kukeli – Gashi, Xhaka, Abrashi, Lenjani – Cikalleshi.
Portugal
Last 5 matches:
Portugal v Serbia 2-1 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Portugal v Cape Verde 0-2 (International friendly)
Armenia v Portugal 2-3 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Italy v Portugal 0-1 (International friendly)
Portugal v France 0-1 (International friendly)
Team News:
Miguel Veloso (52/2) and Pepe (65/3) have made Portugal squad for Euro 2021 qualifiers after missing the previous gathering, but Raul Meireles, Fabio Coentrao and Tiago Mendes were omitted.
Joao Moutinho (79/2) has failed to recover from an ankle problem and he is not in contention for the crucial qualifier vs Albania, whereas Bruno Alves has withdrawn from the squad having suffered an injury.
Sporting Lisbon’s Paulo Oliveira (1/0) has been called as his replacement, whereas fellow defender Ricardo Carvalho (81/5) should be fit to play despite suffering a nasty cut on his forehead.
Players to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo, Danny.
Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Patricio – Vieirinha, Pepe, Carvalho, Eliseu – Joao Mario, Pereira, Bernardo Silva – Nani, Ronaldo, Danny.
Albania v Potrugal betting odds & tips
*Given that Portugal have won last four games on the road, you should know that away win is available at 1.73 (8/11).
*With mere six goals scored in Albania’s matches in the current campaign, bear in mind that under 2.5 goals pays 1.60 (5/8).
*Cristiano Ronaldo has netted five times in four Euro 2021 qualifiers and he is now 4.00 (3/1) to score the first goal in Albania.
