Albania vs Spain Predictions

• Spain are missing Rodri and will likely rotate other key names
• Albania need to get forward and win the game to progress
• Both teams have scored in Albania’s first two games, with seven goals scored in total
• Ayoze Perez was bright off the bench for Spain last time out, with two shots on target in a 13-minute cameo

Spain set to rotate after perfect start

Spain have won both games in Group B so far and they’re set to coast into the last 16 as group winners. With a potential quarter-final against Germany on the horizon, the Spanish should look to rotate their side for their final group game.

The Spanish have already been forced into a change, with Manchester City’s Rodri suspended for this clash after picking up bookings in the first two matches. That could become a worry for Spain the later they get into the tournament, but they won’t mind losing him for a game he’d likely have sat out.

However, Rodri is a huge presence in front of the defence and the midfielder’s absence should be an issue, especially given how important this clash is to Albania.

Albania need to force the issue again

Albania head into this final game knowing a victory would take them into the last 16. After giving Italy a scare in their opener, they grabbed a 2-2 draw late on against Croatia. A win over Spain would put them onto four points, a tally that has always been enough to qualify as one of the best third-place finishers.

Albania are outsiders against a rotated Spanish side, but they have made encouraging starts to both games in Germany. They scored within a minute against Albania and then took the lead against Croatia, leading that contest for over an hour.

Albania have shown no shortage of attacking intent so far at this tournament and Kristjan Asllani’s good displays probably deserve a goal at this tournament. While the Spanish have yet to concede, without Rodri and likely a few more key names, they’ll be challenged by Albania.

Back goals for Albania again

While Spain have little to prove here, the second-string players that come into the team will want to make an impression. That was the case for Ayoze Perez last time out, with the former Newcastle and Leicester winger getting three shots off in a 13-minute cameo against Italy. He had two shots on target from those chances and after nine strikes in La Liga last term, the Real Betis man is a good bet to score anytime.

This Albanian side have had defensive issues, shipping two goals to both Italy and Croatia. Spain have the attacking options to exploit that. At the other end, Sylvinho’s side have shown a willingness to get forward and cause problems. Albania have nothing to lose having exceeded expectations in a tough group and with a huge prize on the line here, they should look to get forward. As a result, both teams to score appeals as the best bet in this clash.