France will be looking to improve on their first performance at Euro 2016 when they take on the Eagles of Albania at the Stade Velodrome.
Hosts looking to secure their spot in the next round.
Having won the last five games, the French will be looking to continue this good run with another win over the Albanians. They are also unbeaten at the Stade Velodrome in the last four competitive showings – with three wins and a draw.
Their record against the Eagles is also something that points to an easy result for the French. In the previous four meetings between the two nations in competitive fixtures, the host nation has the clear advantage with four wins and a goal difference of +10.
If the French were able to get the rewards against the Albanians, they would secure their position in the Round of 16.
Payet to play massive role
French playmaker Dimitri Payet showed that his efforts in the English Premier League were no one off occurrence, playing an important role in seeing that France overcame what turned out to be a difficult game against Romania. He scored the goal that saw the French secure a 2-1 victory and he really showed again why coach Didier Deschamps put such high praise on the midfielder.
It would be surprising if Payet was not able to have the same impact on this game, given that they defence of Albania will struggle to contain the passing and speed that the playmaker contains he will really be able to run the show. Although he will be hoping that his teammates who struggled to make an impact against Romania will step up this time around to help out with the work load.
Dimitri Payet…
Magical goal 👌
Fine assist 👏
Eight chances created 👊
National hero 🇫🇷#FRAROU #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/BZG4g9FkCu— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 11, 2016
Albania without their captain
Although the Albanians did not disgrace themselves in their first display against Switzerland, they will be going into this game already at a disadvantage. Just after the 3o minute mark against the Swiss, their captain Lorik Cana was sent off after picking up two unnecessary yellow cards.
This means that young fullback Elseid Hysaj will have to step up into the leadership role. He proved this was something that does not faze him when he took over the role last time out, as his impact and performance in the match improved substantially when he received the captain’s armband.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
