Romania v Albania preview: Winless duo look to sneak into last 16

It's a do-or-die fixture in Lyon as Romania take on Albania with both teams hoping to keep alive any hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of Euro 2016 on Sunday.

The Albanians held their own for long spells in the opening 1-0 loss to the Swiss and then conceded late goals in a 2-0 reverse against hosts France, but they created precious little up front in either match and will need to discover their goalscoring touch.

Romania also need to win although they have one point on the board already, but it could so easily have been two. A Bogdan Stancu penalty nearly earned them a share of the spoils against the hosts in Paris, but they were undone by a moment of genius from Dimitri Payet.

Albania's Italian coach Gianni De Biasi remains sure they can still qualify for the last 16, despite his side having yet to collect a point in the tournament.

"I believe we can qualify," De Biasi told reporters as his team, who are at their first major tournament, prepared for what Romania striker Florin Andone described as a matter of "life and death".

"I think that if we are able to score the goals that we haven't against Switzerland and France then we could get the three points that may get us into the knockout rounds.

"We must show the mentality of winners against Albania," said Romania striker Florin Andone, who may return to the starting line-up after the draw against Switzerland.

"It will be very difficult because Albania are a very good team, they run a lot and are very aggressive. But we are aware that a victory could send us through so we will give it 100 per cent effort."

Team news

Romania's Razvan Rat, midfielder Bogdan Stancu and Mihai Pintilii are all expected to shake off minor knocks.

Andone, dropped for the Swiss game after he was substituted against the French, could return to the starting line-up against the Albanians to replace Claudiu Keseru.

Albania midfielder Ledjan Memushaj did not train on Saturday due to a calf injury, while Lorik Cana is back in contention after serving a one-match suspension for his sending off in the opening game.

Paul Merson's prediction

Albania have done quite well at this tournament. They are solid at the back, but just don't have a threat going forward. Romania know they must win and I think they will eventually break them down to qualify - but Northern Ireland fans will be watching this and praying for a draw, as that will help them to qualify in third place from their group. This is a big game for a lot of the other teams and it should be a good one, because a draw suits neither of them.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0 to Romania

Match stats

Romania are unbeaten in their last 13 games against Albania (W10 D3). Albania's last win was in May 1948 (1-0 in Bucharest).

Albania have never scored more than one goal in their 16 games against Romania.

Romania have only won one of their 15 games at the European Championships. It came in June 2000 against England (3-2).

Romania have kept only one clean sheet in their 15 games at the European Championships (0-0 v France in June 2008).

Albania have lost their last three internationals - their worst run since October 2013.

Albania have only had two shots on target over their first two games at this year's tournament, both in their opener against Switzerland.