Wales will complete their preparations for Euro 2020 on Saturday evening when they take on Albania at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Robert Page's side suffered a 3-0 defeat to France in their last friendly on Wednesday, while Albania, who will not be present at this summer's European Championships, beat San Marino 2-0 in their last match.

Match preview

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Wales can take plenty of encouragement from their performance against France on Wednesday, despite the fact that Page's side suffered a three-goal defeat to the Euro 2020 favourites.

Neco Williams was sent off in the 25th minute of the friendly following a handball, and it was always going to be an uphill task from that moment against one of the finest international sides in world football.

Wales will open their European Championships against Switzerland on June 12 before also taking on Turkey and Italy in Group A, with all four sides capable of making an impression in the section.

The Dragons enjoyed an excellent Euro 2016, as they reached the semi-finals of the competition before losing to Portugal, who overcame France in the final courtesy of an extra-time effort from Eder.

Wales have shown that they have what it takes to compete at this level, and Saturday's clash with Albania will be another valuable exercise for the national side ahead of the start of the championships.

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Albania, meanwhile, qualified for Euro 2016 - being eliminated in the group stages - but they will not be present at this summer's championships, having finished fourth in Group H, losing five of their 10 matches.

The Red and Blacks have made a positive start to their 2022 World Cup qualification campaign, though, picking up six points from their three matches to sit third in Group I behind England and Hungary.

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.

Team News

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Wales, as it stands, will be without the services of Williams through suspension, as the Liverpool defender was shown a red card in the 3-0 defeat to France on Wednesday evening.

The Dragons have appealed the ban, but Williams will be absent unless the situation changes.

Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies were second-half substitutes against France but could now come into the starting side, while Gareth Bale, Daniel James and Harry Wilson are all likely to feature once again.

There are three uncapped goalkeepers in the Albania squad, and Alen Sherri could potentially get the nod between the sticks for this match.

The away side's XI will still have a number of familiar faces, though, with Atalanta BC's Berat Djimsiti set to line up at the back, while Basel's Amir Abrashi should be present in the middle of the park.

Sokol Cikalleshi is the leading goalscorer in the squad with 10, and the 30-year-old is likely to feature for Albania in the final third of the field alongside Manaj.

Wales possible starting lineup:
Ward; Roberts, Rodon, Mepham, Davies; Morrell, Allen, Ramsey; H Wilson, Bale, James

Albania possible starting lineup:
Sherri; Ajeti, Djimsiti, Veseli; Laci, Abrashi, Ramadani, Bare, Lenjani; Manaj; Cikalleshi

We say: Wales 1-1 Albania

Wales will be determined to enter Euro 2020 off the back of a win, but we are finding it difficult to back the hosts with any real confidence. Albania have a lot of talent and are capable of securing a share of the spoils at the Cardiff City Stadium this weekend.

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