Albania and Poland are in a shoot-out for second place in Group I. Albania hold a one-point advantage over Poland with three qualifiers to go. Albania have won three on the spin without conceding in qualification, while Poland are unbeaten in four - a run that includes a 1-1 draw with England. Poland ran out 4-1 winners in the reverse fixture between the two sides so will be a little miffed why they head into this game trailing Albania in the table. Albania have only conceded six goals in qualifying so far and four of those were scored by Poland. With Robert Lewandowski leading the line, they will expect three points here. 1:2
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 18 of Poland's last 20 games (FIFA World Cup). Albania have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 matches (FIFA World Cup). Poland have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 3 matches against Albania in all competitions. Albania have won their last 3 matches (FIFA World Cup). Poland have won their last 3 matches against Albania in all competitions.
Klaus Gjasula remarkably has five yellow cards in as many qualifiers for Albania but is available here. Endri Cekici is banned, however. Nedim Bajrami will hope to deputise. Atalanta's Berat Djimsiti came off injured in Albania's 1-0 win away to Hungary on Saturday and is ruled out here. He is a big loss and needs replacing at centre-back. Bekim Balaj is also ruled out, while Erion Hoxhallari is out with COVD-19 for the home side. Armando Broja and Rey Manaj are on standby to start up front if changes are made to Albania's attack. Lukasz Fabianski made his final appearance for Poland against San Marino and has now retired from international football at the age of 36. Wojciech Szczesny will take over. Poland risked several players one yellow card away from suspension against San Marino and Karol Linetty ended up picking up a costly booking that rules him out here. Robert Lewandowski will be kicking himself for failing to score in Poland's 5-0 win over San Marino at the weekend.
*The Albanians just won away on Saturday in their visit to Hungary, (remember how the Hungarians disappointed?), sitting at playoffs spot with 15 points, 1 point ahead of today’s rivals, after 5 wins and 2 defeats, scoring 11 goals while allowing 6. *The Polish side, meanwhile, has won 4 of their 7 fixtures, most recently thrashing San Marino 5-0, with 3 more victories on their behalf, 2 draws and just 1 defeat, netting 24 goals, the highest in the group, while conceding 8. *Last month the White and Reds thrashed Albania 4-1 at home, with goals from Lewandowski, Buksa, Krychowiak and Linetty for the locals. *It’s up to the Polish to advance, and with an easier schedule ahead than the Albanians I believe the playoffs ticket is theirs, they only need to come out today and do their thing at the Arena Kombëtare. *And with the extra plus of having Robert Lewandowski in the attack, who despite not scoring in the 5-0 thrashing over San Marino, has netted 6 times. Prediction: Poland win
Klaus Gjasula remarkably has five yellow cards in as many qualifiers for Albania but is available here. Endri Cekici is banned, however. Nedim Bajrami will hope to deputise. Atalanta's Berat Djimsiti came off injured in Albania's 1-0 win away to Hungary on Saturday and is ruled out here. He is a big loss and needs replacing at centre-back. Bekim Balaj is also ruled out, while Erion Hoxhallari is out with COVD-19 for the home side. Armando Broja and Rey Manaj are on standby to start up front if changes are made to Albania's attack. Lukasz Fabianski made his final appearance for Poland against San Marino and has now retired from international football at the age of 36. Wojciech Szczesny will take over. Poland risked several players one yellow card away from suspension against San Marino and Karol Linetty ended up picking up a costly booking that rules him out here. Robert Lewandowski will be kicking himself for failing to score in Poland's 5-0 win over San Marino at the weekend.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 18 of Poland's last 20 games (FIFA World Cup). Albania have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 matches (FIFA World Cup). Poland have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 3 matches against Albania in all competitions. Albania have won their last 3 matches (FIFA World Cup). Poland have won their last 3 matches against Albania in all competitions.
Albania and Poland are in a shoot-out for second place in Group I. Albania hold a one-point advantage over Poland with three qualifiers to go. Albania have won three on the spin without conceding in qualification, while Poland are unbeaten in four - a run that includes a 1-1 draw with England. Poland ran out 4-1 winners in the reverse fixture between the two sides so will be a little miffed why they head into this game trailing Albania in the table. Albania have only conceded six goals in qualifying so far and four of those were scored by Poland. With Robert Lewandowski leading the line, they will expect three points here. 1:2
Poland 
Poland 
Albania VS Poland 