World Cup Qualification 2026: Albania-Serbia, the likely lineups

Albania receives Serbia on Saturday, June 7, at 8:45 p.m. at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana, in a match valid for the third round of Group K for the World Cup qualifiers. The hosts aim to consolidate second place in the group, after picking up three points in the first two days. For Serbia, on the other hand, it is the outright debut in the competition: the goal is to start strong right away in order not to lose ground to England, the group favorite.

In the Albanian eleven, Djimsiti will be missing in defense: in his place should act Kumbulla, flanked by Ismajli, favored over Veseli, while on the outsides Balliu and Mitaj are confirmed. In the midfield, Asllani will manage the game, supported by Ramadani and, probably, Laci, ahead of Hoxha. In attack, room for former Spezia man Rey Mana, flanked by Nedim Bajrami, with Asani slightly favored over Broja to complete the trident.

Serbia, meanwhile, is expected to start without Dusan Vlahovic, with Mitrovic confirmed as the starter in the center of the attack. Behind him will act Samardzic and Lukic, while the midfield dike will be formed by Gudelj and Maksimovic, with Zivkovic and Terzic on the outsides. In goal will be Petrovic, preferred to Rajkovic who is not at his best, while in defense there will be space for the trio of Milenkovic, Erakovic and Pavlovic.

Probable lineups

Albania (4-3-3): Strakosha; Balliu, Ismajli, Kambulla, Mitaj; Laci, Asllani, Ramadani; Asani, Manaj, Bajrami. Ct: Sylvinho.

Serbia (3-4-2-1): Petrovic; Erakovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Gudelj, Nemanja Maksimovic, Terzic; Samardzic, Lukic; A. Mitrovic. Ct: Stojkovic.

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