WALES V ALBANIA ... ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
WALES’ Euro 2020 preparations come to a head this weekend when they face Albania in Cardiff today.
Defeat to world champions France during the week was an educational, if not frustrating, night for Rob Page as he fine-tunes his team ahead of their tournament opener against Switzerland on June 12.
First up, though, is Albania. Here’s everything you need to know about the clash.
What time is Wales v Albania kick-off?
Wales v Albania kicks off at 5pm on Saturday, June 5.
Is Wales vs Albania on TV?
Yes. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Coverage on their Football channel begins at 4.55pm.
S4C will also have live coverage from 4.30pm.
What about live streaming?
Sky Sports customers will be able to live stream the game via the Sky Go app.
S4C’s coverage can be live streamed via S4C Clic.
You can also follow updates from the game in the Welsh capital on our live blog which will be on WalesOnline’s football page.
What is the latest team news?
Wales emerged from their friendly match with France in Nice unscathed injury-wise.
Page is expected to ring the changes from the game in midweek, with the likes of Kieffer Moore, Ben Cabango and Wayne Hennessey likely to get some minutes under their belts.
Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies will all feature against Albania at some stage, while Ethan Ampadu, who missed the France clash, will also get a run-out at Cardiff City Stadium.
Neco Williams is absent after he was sent off against the French for deliberate handball. Page says there were “no grounds” to appeal the decision.
Page insists he still does not know his starting line-up to face Switzerland in Wales’ Euro 2020 opener although he has a good idea, but warned against reading too much into the chosen line-up today.
Barcelona B striker Rey Manaj, right, will likely play the No.10 role for Albania with the hope of linking up with striker Armando Broja.
Myrto Uzuni and Sokol Cikalleshi could come in to support the centre-forward from the flanks.
What has the manager said?
Wales boss Rob Page: “There was a plan put in place when we first met up on camp with regards to what we want, who we want maybe for the first game and work backwards, and what minutes we need to play them in the two friendlies to give us the best chance to get them involved in that first game.
“We don’t veer away from that, other than Neco which has been taken out of our control.
“It’s going to serve a purpose, and that’ll be to get minutes into the players.”
What are the latest betting odds?
Wales 4/6; Draw 5/2; Albania 17/4. Odds via bet365 and correct at time of publishing
Who is the referee?
Neil Doyle (Republic of Ireland) will take charge of the match. Wayne McDonnell and Darragh Keegan are his assistants, with Rob Harvey as the fourth official.
There will be no VAR in use.
What about Albania?
Albania have actually won five of their last six matches in all competitions, while they have lost just one of their last eight matches during a strong run of form.
Edoardo Reja’s side have not been in action since recording a 2-0 win over San Marino at the end of March, with Rey Manaj and Myrto Uzuni on the scoresheet for the visitors.
Albania’s last friendly brought a 2-1 win over Kosovo in November 2020, while they recorded a 1-0 victory over Wales when the two national teams locked horns in a friendly in November 2018.