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Avoiding a series of humiliating defeats remains the number one goal for Andorra in the match against Albania, valid for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Koldo Alvarez's team may not have realistic aspirations of reaching the World Cup, but there are some objectives that the Tricolors can aim for.
Andorra, incredibly, gave England a tough time in their two qualifying matches and have not lost by more than three goals in any of their seven matches. But the Principality's team, as expected, are bottom of the group with just 1 point.
This only positive result came from a 2-2 draw with Latvia, second from bottom.
However, after failing to score in their first 6 matches of 2025, Andorra's three goals in their last two matches offer reason for encouragement ahead of the challenge with Albania.
While Andorra can only be proud of the number of goals scored at the Estadi de la FAF, Albania is aiming for the 3 points, as qualification for the World Cup remains within their reach.
The Reds cannot mathematically catch England at the top of the group, but they are one point ahead of 3rd-placed Serbia, and are aiming for the playoffs, while the last two matches are against Andorra, which will be played on Thursday evening, and the Three Lions, which will be played on Sunday.
While Serbia is expected to lose to Thomas Tuchel's side, Albania may only need a triumph on Thursday to secure a valuable second-place finish, which would guarantee them a play-off spot to continue their dream of participating in the World Cup.
Sylvinho's team has reached the pinnacle of winning four consecutive matches in all tournaments, thanks to Group K successes against Latvia and Serbia, both by one goal, and friendly victories against Jordan and Gibraltar.
Albania also won convincingly 3-0 against Andorra during March's qualifying battle, extending their winning streak against the hosts to three matches and their unbeaten run to six since a shock 2-0 defeat in a friendly in 2002.
In today's clash against Albania, Andorra defender Joel Guillen could return to the field from a booking suspension. But the 24-year-old has been left out of Alvarez's squad this time.
Eric Vales and Christian Garcia will technically also suffer suspensions due to bookings.
There is also no place in the home team for veteran midfielder Marc Vales, who ranks fifth on Andorra's all-time appearances list with 103 games, so defender Moises San Nicolas with 95 games is the most experienced player in Alvarez's ranks.
As for the Albanians, coach Sylvinho has all the players available for Thursday's match, while the most notable absence will be Mallorca defender Marash Kumbulla.
Armando Broja remains a strong national team player, but the former Chelsea and now Burnley striker has played just 216 minutes all season, so vice-captain Rey Manaj may be preferred as the focal point of the attack.
Experienced right-back Elseid Hysaj became Albania's all-time most capped player last month and the 31-year-old is due to make his 95th appearance for his nation earlier this week.
Andorra's possible starting lineup:
Gomes; Borra, Olivera, Llovera, Garcia, San Nicolas; Rosas, Babot, Rebes, Cervos; Lopez
Albania's possible starting lineup:
Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani, Laci; Bajrami, Manaj, Uzuni
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