France vs Albania 
France's underwhelming start to Euro 2016 could be a blessing in disguise.
Had Didier Deschamps's team swept Romania aside courtesy of an emphatic scoreline Les Bleus would have been installed as overwhelming favourites by now.
However, a narrow - yet deserved - victory thanks to Dimitri Payet's stunning strike means the pressure has not yet been ramped up on France.
Albania are searching for their first ever point at a European Championship but look likely to go home empty handed.
France will be expected to all-but claim their place in the knock-out stages with a game to spare but cannot be complacent, having lost to their opponents in a friendly last year.
Team news
Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann were not at their best against Romania and will be expected to produce improved performances.
N'Golo Kante covered every blade of grass on Friday night and has sewn up his place in central midfield.
Anthony Martial is pushing for a start and so too is Kingsley Coman after both youngsters impressed off the bench in the tournament opener.
Adil Rami and Laurent Koscielny will retain their places in defence, despite the duo's partnership yet to convince it can cope with the competition's big guns.
Albania must fill a Lorik Cana shaped hole in their side after their captain was sent off against Swizterland.
Ergys Kace is one of several candidates vying to replace Cana while the skipper serves a one-game suspension.
Goalkeeper Etrit Berisha did not cover himself in glory in the opening game but is unlikely to be dropped.
22-year-old right back Elseid Hysaj is one to keep an eye on, with several European sides rumoured to be interested in the Napoli man.
France possible XI: Lloris, Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra, Pogba, Kante, Matuidi, Griezmann, Giroud, Payet.
Albania possible XI: Berisha, Hysaj, Cana, Mavraj, Agolli, Abrashi, Kukeli, Xhaka, Roshi, Sadiku, Lenjani.
No comments:
Post a Comment