It’s a battle for survival between Romania and Alabnaia at the Stade de Lyon in Lyon in Group A of Euro 2016. Romania has won point and Albania has none. However, both the teams have played with resilience and passion against big teams to attract attention. Now, these teams are after the lone vacant spot from Group Ato the group of 16 as a third-placed team.

If Romania wins, they will be through. There is a slender chance of Romanians making it to the next round even with a draw. For Albanians though, there is only one option. They have to win. While a win does not guarantee a place in the pre-quarter final for Albania, it will most likely do.

Bookmakers provide attractive odds. Bet365 has 13/10 for a Romania win, 12/5 for a draw and 12/5 for an Albania win.

Romania

Romania has only one point. But they could have drawn the match against France, which they lost. And they could have won the match against Switzerland which they drew. They need to score a win against Albania; otherwise they are in danger of becoming one of several could-have-been stories of this Euro.

This is the 100th match in charge as manager or as assistant manager of Romanian team for Anghel Iordănescu. But he is more focused on the match outcome: “I ignore my number of matches with the national team. The most important thing is the objective we're pursuing. Our players have to understand that this is the chance of a generation.”

Three of his regular starters – Mihai Pintilii, Răzvan Raț and Steliano Filip – have injury scares. They will have a fitness test this morning and final decision will be made only after that. Whether they play or not, much will depend on how Nicolae Stanciu and Florin And one perform upfront.

Albania

Albania has impressed one and all with their well-organized defence and dogged spirit. They held France goalless for close to 90 minutes. Coach Gianni De Biasi has summed up the situation nicely: “The players have done a lot of good things so far. Unfortunately we've paid dearly for our mistakes. And when we've had chances, perhaps we haven't been experienced enough to build on what we've done in the game.”

This is Albania’s last chance to build something from this Euro. Their defence is alright. But they will not progress further with a draw. They need to win and they have to score goals. It would be great if they abandon their one-striker tactic and adopt a more aggressive strategy. They don’t have world famous strikers. But Taulant Xhaka, Sokol Cikalleshi and Armando Sadiku are hard-working and capable attackers.

Romania - Albania match facts

• The H2H statistics heavily favour Romania. The last time Albania won against Romania was in 1948.
• These two are familiar rivals, having played five times in the last 10 years, outside the global tournaments. Romania won three and the other two matches were draws.

Romania -Albania betting tips

Romania does have the slight advantage. But expect a pulsating match with attacks and counter-attacks. A draw can be ruled out pretty safely.

Romania or Draw 1.30 @ bet365.com