Slovenia VS Slovakia Match Prediction

Slovakia have yet to taste victory against Slovenia in two meetings between the two sides. They previously met during the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup, when Slovenia won 2-1 at home and 2-0 away to take a maximum of six points from the pair of games.

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Slovenia v Slovakia: Prediction

These two sides look to be very closely-matched and will see the game as an opportunity to get a potentially crucial three points on the board. But Slovakia are without their defensive leader Martin Skrtel through suspension and his absence could be a decisive factor. Slovenia also have a strong head-to-head record against Slovakia, winning the two previous competitive meetings between the sides, so they look to be the most likely winners, especially as they have home advantage.

Slovenia v Slovakia: Betting Tips

A price of 6/4 on Slovenia to win looks to be quite generous considering they have back-to-back wins against Slovakia and will also be playing this match in front of their own fans. The visitors can be backed at odds of 12/5, while the draw is at 21/10.

Slovenia have scored twice in both of their last two victories against Slovakia, so odds of 2/1 for them to score at least twice against Slovakia look to be extremely generous here, although under 2.5 goals to be scored in the game is also recommended at odds of 10/21.

Slovenia battled back from 2-0 down in Lithuania to claim a point in their opening Group F qualifying match, but it was still a result that was damaging to their hopes of reaching the 2018 World Cup. Coach Sreco Katanec is unlikely to make a lot of changes from the side that played in that game, but Fiorentina midfielder Josip Ilicic is expected to come into the team after his gamechanging impact from the bench on that day.

Slovenia likely XI:

Slovakia can count themselves unfortunate to have been beaten in their first qualifier, with Adam Lallana's late goal consigning them to a 1-0 loss at home to England last month. Martin Skrtel was sent off in the second half of that game and the defender will miss this match as a result, while Norbert Gyomber could be in line to come into the Slovakia team. Marek Hamsik of Napoli is the star of the show for Jan Kozak's men.

Slovakia likely XI:

This will be viewed as a highly winnable match for both of these nations, who will believe they have an outside chance of making it to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. But the head-to-head record points in favour of a Slovenia victory despite the fact they have not won any of their last four matches. They are strong at home and even though Slovakia are dangerous on the counter and have pulled off some impressive results on the road in the last few years, a narrow home win is favoured here.

Slovenia are unbeaten in their last three matches against Slovakia.