The Albanian national team is preparing for one of the most important challenges of this UEFA Nations League campaign, against Finland, but coach Silvinho Maran has another concern. As many as seven players from the red-and-black risk missing the group’s final match against Belarus if they are booked with a yellow card on Thursday.
The list of players who must be careful includes important names in every line. In defence, captain Berat Gjimshiti, Ardian Ismajli and Stavro Pilo are at risk, the latter in very good form after his performances and goals scored in the Champions League against Manchester City and Real Madrid.
In midfield, the players who must avoid a card are Kristjan Asllani and Ylber Ramadani, while in attack the only one in this situation is Myrto Uzuni. The goalkeeper Alen Sherri is also on the list.
Meanwhile, Albania are seen as favourites on paper against Finland. The red-and-black are ranked 66th in the FIFA rankings, nine places higher than their opponents, who hold 75th place.
However, the head-to-head history is not in Albania’s favour. In the eight matches played between the two national teams, the red-and-black have recorded only two wins, one draw and five defeats.
Beyond the importance of the three points in the race for the top of the group, the coaching staff must also carefully manage player discipline, since a yellow card could cost a starter’s absence in the decisive match against Belarus, on 15 November.