Sweden Aims to Bounce Back Against Albania

Sweden will be looking to bounce back from a heavy 5-2 defeat against Portugal when they host Albania in an international friendly at the Friends Arena on Monday. The Blågult conceded five goals for the first time since 2013 in that loss, despite consolation strikes from in-form striker Viktor Gyökeres and substitute Gustaf Nilsson in the second half.

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side had been in good form heading into that match, winning four of their last six games including a 5-0 thrashing of Azerbaijan in their final Euro 2024 qualifier to book their place at next year’s tournament. However, the comprehensive loss to the Portuguese acted as a reality check for the Swedes, who will be determined to get back to winning ways against the Albanians.

Albania, meanwhile, saw their eight-game unbeaten run come to an end on Friday with a 3-0 friendly loss to Chile. The Shqiponjat had picked up some good results in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, finishing second in their group behind Russia to secure a playoff spot. However, their failure to score in the last two games will be a cause for concern for manager Edi Reja.

This will be the sixth meeting between the two nations, with Sweden holding a 3-1 lead from the previous five encounters. The most recent clash was a World Cup qualifier in 2009 which the Blågult won 4-1 on home soil. In fact, Sweden boasts a perfect home record against Albania, winning both matches played at the Friends Arena by an aggregate score of 7-2.

Gyökeres, who has scored 7 goals in his last 8 appearances for Sweden, will likely lead the line again and be the hosts’ main goal threat. The Coventry City striker has enjoyed an excellent season in the Championship, netting 19 times. At the other end, veteran defender Andreas Granqvist will marshal the Swedish backline as he earns his 93rd cap.

For Albania, the experienced duo of captain Mergim Mavraj and Napoli fullback Elseid Hysaj will be key players. Going forward, much may depend on the form of Sokol Cikalleshi, the Turkish-based striker who is their top scorer in Euro 2024 qualifying with 3 goals.

While this is only a friendly, both teams will want to produce a strong performance as they continue their preparations for next year’s European Championship finals. Based on their respective recent form, quality of players and superior head-to-head record, Sweden should have the edge at home.

Prediction: Sweden 2-1 Albania

After a chastening defeat last time out, Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men will be keen to return to winning ways in this final warm-up match before Euro 2024. A fast start could be key to building momentum and confidence again. Expect the lively Gyökeres to cause plenty of problems for the Albanian defense with his pace and movement.

However, Albania have shown they can frustrate stronger opposition at times during qualifying. If they can keep things tight early on, the Swedes may start to feel unsettled if they cannot make the breakthrough. With players like Mavraj, Hysaj and the creative Cikalleshi, the visitors do possess enough quality to make this a difficult evening for the hosts.

Ultimately though, the greater firepower and stronger mentality of Sweden should see them prevail in front of their home fans. A close-fought 2-1 victory appears to be the most likely outcome based on the two sides’ respective strengths and weaknesses. For the ambitious Blågult, it would provide the perfect preparation as they target a place in the knockout rounds of Euro 2024.