Slovakia vs Iceland predictions for Thursday’s EURO 2024 qualifier. If Slovakia will win in this match will secure the qualification for next summer’s finals in Germany, while the visitors must get three points to keep some hopes of progressing. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Thursday, 16th November at 7:45 pm In:
Slovakia vs Iceland Predictions
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European Championship 2024 Qualifiers: Slovakia on the Cusp of Glory Against Iceland
Key Stats
– Iceland’s Home Comfort: Iceland has been in excellent form at home, being unbeaten in their last three matches on their turf, which might play a crucial role in their performance against Slovakia.
– Slovakia’s Dominance Over Iceland: Slovakia holds a 4-1 advantage with one draw in their six previous encounters against Iceland, making them the statistical favourites heading into this crucial match.
As the Euro 2024 qualifiers near their conclusion, Slovakia faces Iceland in a Group I fixture with high stakes. Slovakia has their sights set on securing the second automatic qualification spot, while Iceland seeks to keep their slim hopes alive. In this analysis, we’ll delve deep into both teams’ performances, strategies, key players, and more, before making four predictions for this crucial match.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
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Best Value Bet Rationale
Slovakia enters this match on the brink of qualifying for the European Championship, needing just a point from their final two fixtures to secure their place in Germany next year. Their impressive campaign, which includes five wins from eight matches, showcases their determination and prowess. Notably, they only lost to group leaders Portugal, a testament to their competitive spirit.
Crucially, Slovakia boasts an unbeaten record in three of their last four home matches, a testament to their strength when playing in front of their fans. This home advantage is underpinned by a sturdy defense that has kept three clean sheets in recent games, making it challenging for opponents to breach their lines.
On the other hand, Iceland finds themselves in a less favorable position, sitting fourth in the group, six points off the qualifying spots. While they have shown signs of improvement in the campaign’s latter stages, their away record remains a concern, having lost two of their last three qualifying matches on the road.
Considering these factors, it’s reasonable to expect Slovakia to dominate this encounter. With their superior form, especially at home, and Iceland’s shaky away performances, it’s plausible to predict that Slovakia will take control in both halves of the game. This boosted bet offers enticing odds and represents an excellent opportunity for punters looking for value in this matchup.
Team Performances and Strategies
Slovakia has had a commendable campaign, with five wins in eight matches, their only loss coming against group leaders Portugal. They have displayed a solid defence, keeping three clean sheets in their last four home qualifiers. Their success can be attributed to a resolute defence, and this could be a key factor in the upcoming match.
On the other hand, Iceland has been less consistent, with just three wins in eight matches. However, they are unbeaten in their last three fixtures, showing signs of improvement. Their major issue has been their away form, losing two of their last three away matches. They’ve recently been finding their form at home, which could be crucial in this encounter.
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Expected Goals Averages
Slovakia has maintained an average of 1.4 goals per game in the qualifiers, with a solid defensive record, conceding just 0.6 goals per game. Their attacking plays mostly involve right-footed goals, indicating their preference for that side.
Iceland, on the other hand, has been more prolific in front of goal, averaging 1.9 goals per game. However, their defence has been more leaky, conceding 1.3 goals per game. Gylfi Sigurðsson has been a standout player, contributing three penalty goals in the campaign.
Key Duels and Match Deciders
The match could be decided in the midfield battle. Slovakia’s Robert Mak has been a standout player, scoring in the last two home matches. He’s a key figure for Slovakia’s attack. For Iceland, Alfred Finnbogason is a player to watch, having found the net in two of the last three qualifying matches.
Gameplay Prediction
Considering Slovakia’s strong defence and home advantage, we predict a game where Slovakia will aim to control possession and stifle Iceland’s attacks. Iceland, on the other hand, might look to exploit any defensive weaknesses and create scoring opportunities on the counter.
Suggestions for Improvement
For Slovakia, maintaining defensive solidity and taking advantage of set-piece opportunities could be areas of improvement. Iceland should focus on improving their away form and being more clinical in front of goal.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Slovakia’s strength lies in their resolute defence and home form. However, their weakness might be their attack, which needs to be more clinical. For Iceland, their strength is in their attacking prowess, but they need to tighten their defence.
Managers’ Analysis
Francesco Calzona for Slovakia and Åge Hareide for Iceland have had varying levels of success in the campaign. Calzona’s focus on defence has paid off for Slovakia, while Hareide needs to address Iceland’s away form.
Predictions
- Full-Time Result Prediction: Given Slovakia’s strong home record and Iceland’s struggles away from home, we predict a Slovakia win.
- Correct Score Prediction: We anticipate a 2-0 victory for Slovakia, considering their solid defence.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Robert Mak, Slovakia’s in-form attacker, is our pick for a goal. For Iceland, if Sigurðsson plays, he might be their best bet.
- First Half Result Prediction: We predict that Slovakia will lead at half-time due to their strong home form and defensive solidity.
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