VS
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ALBANIA
·
When
the clock hits 2pm on Saturday, the whole of Albania will stop to watch the
debut of their football’s national team in the group stage of a big
competition. Reaching France is their trophy and anything else they might get
will be gravy.
·
Gianni
Di Biasi scheduled two friendly matches, where his team obtained the expected
results, with the win against Qatar and the expected defeat at the expense of
Ukraine, a game that confirmed the great task ahead of the Albanians.
·
To
keep the dream alive, Albania brings with them two historic victories in the
course of the campaign to France, in Portugal and precisely against France. If
they repeat those performances, they can certainly hope.
SWITZERLAND
· Switzerland
faces Albania with the added pressure of needing to win, something they are not
used too in the big stages, and it’s very counterproductive if take into
account their style of play
·
Petkovic’s
team is very effective tactically, they keep their shape, but they lack enthusiasm
and don’t take too many risks. Only Shaqiri brings some unpredictability to the
table, as his midfielding teammates are much better without the ball.
·
The
friendly against Moldova showed the inability that Switzerland have in front of
goal, due to the number of saves the Moldovan keeper made. In the group stage
and in this game Swiss precision must extend to the attack.
- Expected Lineups
VS
- Areas to follow
ALBANIA
·
Defense
Will be their success
that will dictate the whole team’s as they will be under pressure for most of
the 270 minutes of the group stage. With Hysaj completely at ease in the right
side, Di Biasi will reinforce the left side playing with two full-backs on that
side (Lenjani will be a bit forward).
With Lorik Cana commanding, Kukeli and Abrashi
helping outside the penalty area, the goal will be to close Berisha’s goal, in
hope their attacking teammates score in the few chances they might have.
·
Midfield
In possession, Albania
will attack, mainly, through the right side, as a player like Hysaj gives them
something they never had – a top quality full back, that attacks and defends
with quality. In the middle of the park, Kukeli and Abrashi will be mainly
defensive minded players, with Xhaka being the playmaker that will be chasing
the ball, trying to create anything.
·
Attack
Sadiku showed great form
in the friendlies, scoring in both, but the more physical style of play of
Çikalleshi makes him a bit more prepared to be left alone, like the Albanian
striker is likely to be. Sadiku will be Di Biasi’s first option off the bench, independently
of the result.
SWITZERLAND
- Defense
Senderos’ exibition was absolutely pathetic and that made sure Petkovic cut him from the final squad. That solved any questions about the center of the defense, where Djourou and Lang will stand. Against Albania, the role of Ricardo Rodriguez and Licheisteiner will be mostly offensive, but Wolfsburg left back will be a very intense game, as any potential counters from Albania will likely come from his side
- Midfield
The most compact and reliable area of Swiss game, it’s a trio that works very well together in occupying the space in the middle and getting possession back, but they all lack the creativity to then create opportunities for their teammates. Granit Xhaka is the biggest highlight, and the new Arsenal signing will want to show his skills to his new fans. Dzemaili will be in a similar he had against Moldova, a bit ahead of his teammates, but he’ll have to do a better job in it.
- Attack
Petkovic used Embolo alongside Derdyok, against Moldova, though the Basel youngster was wider in the left. It’s unlikely Petkovic tries the some solution against Albania, but Embolo’s movement and speed might be a good way to break the Albanian defense. Shaqiri e Mehmedi will be the wingers, with the Magic Dwarf looked upon the creative force of the team, and the one his teammates will seek if things start going wrong.
- FIL’S
VERDICT
Brothers Taulant and Granit Xhaka will faceoff, and being players that fall in the same area of the pitch, this might be known as the “Xhaka Game”. The Swiss will know that he will have to carry his team forward, after being shown that Dzemaili is much better moving forward without the ball, as shown in the goal he scored against Belgium. The Albanian will be left to collect the pieces left of Swiss attacks to try and create a dangerous counter.
If Albania stays in their midfield, never
trying to attack, this can quickly become a very tedious game, as Switzerland
will struggle to find any spaces near Berisha’s goal. If Di Biasi can make
their players believe a win is possible, then the match opens up and goals will
happen.
That’s a very unlikely scenario, though, as both teams will still
have two matches to play, and Albania will surely believe they can hold
Switzerland for 90 minutes, and just a point would be historic enough to start
with. Switzerland will force though, and should get a breakthourgh.
FIL’S PREDICTION
Albania 0-1 Switzerland
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