Euro 2016 host felt the heat in their opening game against Romania and will now be eager to go stronger and harder against Albania in their bid to secure another three points that would get them closer to the knockouts.

Perfect Payet

France struggled in their Euro 2016 opener with Romania proving to be a much more difficult rival than initially anticipated. With many expecting the Romanians to park the bus it came as a huge surprise to see them push forward, exposing the fragile French defence and putting Hugo Lloris under serious pressure. Olivier Giroud’s goal was not enough to see the French glide through the match and it was only thanks to the wonderful strike by West Ham star Dimitri Payet that hosts managed to get the much needed three points. Payet took over the game in the second half with the help from Pogba, Matuidi and N’Golo Kante from behind, dominating in the final third of the pitch. His spectacular winner came with a single minute from time and his tears of joy after the match proved just how much the goal meant for the West Ham forward. Stade de France gave Payet a standing ovation following the final whistle, while his France teammates heaped praise after his heroics that saved France from the opening disappointment. With their morale restored, France head in the game against Albania determined to sort it all out from the off and avoid any scares as they look for three points that will all but guarantee the place in the knockouts.

Didier Deschamps will have no fresh injury concerns for the match against Albania and French boss is expected to once again field a team with three players upfront. Payet, Giroud and Griezmann will oncea again lead the line from the off while Anthony Martial will be waiting for his chance from the bench.

Albania looking for an upset

Having lost their Euro 2016 opening match to Switzerland, Albania are getting ready for their match against the tournament’s hosts keen to prepare a surprise and stun French just a year after their friendly defeat. Albanians conceded within five minutes of their debut game against Switzerland as they made a timid start to their first match at a major tournament. With their captain Lorik Cana getting sent off shortly after half-hour mark, Albania ultimately failed to get back in the game despite missing several chances to equalise. Giovanni de Biasi is confident his men will give their best in order to try and win the match despite the French being overwhelming favourites. De Biasi believes that his team will still have chances of making it into the knockouts even if they lose given that four third-placed teams will also reach the elimination stage of the competition. Having lost their opening Euro 2016 match, Albania have now lost their last two matches and will be keen to bounce back despite the difficult challenge that lies ahead.

De Biasi will be forced to go against France without his team’s captain who is suspended following his dismissal against Switzerland. Albania boss will have several options to choose from in order to replace the suspended captain and Arling Ajeti, the 22-year-old Frosinone defender is certainly one of them.

Verdict

Euro 2016 hosts head into the game against Albania as firm favourites to record a win that would all but guarantee them the place in the knockouts. Didier Deschamps’ men have had a slower start to their campaign, but their fifth consecutive triumph is bound to be a great morale boost ahead of the Wednesday’s match against the Black Eagles.

Top pick: France/France   1.75 (3/4) @Coral

Alternative pick 1: France to win both halves   2.43 (10/7) @888sport

Alternative pick 2: Both teams to score – No   1.5 (1/2) @PaddyPower