With 101 places separating them in the FIFA World Rankings, Andorra host top-two hopefuls Romania in their opening battle of Euro 2024 qualifying on Saturday evening at the Estadi Nacional.

Switzerland, Israel, Kosovo and Belarus also comprise the intriguing Group I section, although this weekend’s hosts will not be expected to upset the apple cart.

Players to watch: Marc Vales could be the target man for Andorra as three of his five national goals have come in two wins. Looking to spoil his homecoming party will be Romania’s Stanciu, who has seen seven of his last eight national scoring appearances come in wins.

Hot stat: Romania have seen fewer than two first-half goals in 18 of their last 22 matches.

Andorra form (all competitions):

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Romania form (all competitions):

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Andorra possible starting lineup:

Alvarez; Jesus Rubio, Vales, Alavedra, Cervos; Martinez, Rebes, M. Vieira, Pomares; Rosas, Cucu

Romania possible starting lineup:

Nita; Manea, Dragusin, Burca, Oprut; R. Marin, Cicaldau; Morutan, Stanciu, Man; Alibec

Andorra 0-2 Romania

There were plenty of positive signs for Andorra in 2022, but those positive signs should not translate into a shock win against a side sitting over 100 places higher than them in the standings.

Romania are a far cry from the force they once were and cannot expect to find the back of the net at will, but the visitors should still encounter few roadblocks en route to an opening triumph.