Slovenia vs Armenia predictions ahead of their friendly clash. Slovenia host Armenia at the Stozice Stadium on Tuesday for their first Euro 2024 warm-up friendly. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Friendlies | Jun 4, 2024 at 5pm UK at Stadion Stozice
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Slovenia vs Armenia Predictions
Slovenia Poised for Dominant Display Against Armenia in Pre-Euro 2024 Warm-Up
Key Stats
– Slovenia have won seven of their ten qualifying matches, highlighting their strong form.
– Armenia have scored in only one of their last five matches, underscoring their attacking struggles.
– Benjamin Sesko has netted five times in qualifying, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess.
As Slovenia gear up for their second appearance in the European Championship finals, they will be looking to build momentum with a strong performance against Armenia at the Stozice Stadium. This friendly match is crucial for Slovenia to fine-tune their tactics and solidify their lineup ahead of the tournament in Germany. Meanwhile, Armenia will use this fixture to assess their squad’s depth and prepare for future competitive matches. Here, we delve into the form, expected line-ups, tactical nuances, and offer well-reasoned predictions for the game.
Slovenia’s Form and Tactical Setup
Slovenia’s return to the European Championship stage has been marked by an impressive qualifying campaign where they collected 22 points, matching Denmark’s tally but finishing second on head-to-head results. Under the guidance of Matjaz Kek, Slovenia have shown a blend of defensive solidity and attacking prowess, making them potential dark horses for Euro 2024.
Kek, who previously led Slovenia to the 2010 World Cup, has built a squad that balances experience with emerging talent. The expected starting lineup includes:
- Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
- Defenders: Petar Stojanovic, Miha Blazic, Jaka Bijol, Erik Janza
- Midfielders: Adam Gnezda Cerin, Jasmin Kurtic, Sandi Lovric
- Forwards: Josip Ilicic, Benjamin Sesko, Andraz Sporar
The inclusion of veterans like Josip Ilicic, who has returned to the national team after rediscovering form, alongside young talents like Benjamin Sesko, highlights Kek’s strategy of leveraging both experience and youthful exuberance.
Armenia’s Recent Struggles and Tactical Adjustments
Armenia’s journey to Euro 2024 qualification was fraught with inconsistency, ultimately finishing fourth in their group. Under Oleksandr Petrakov, Armenia have shown flashes of promise but have struggled to maintain form, highlighted by their recent winless run in friendlies.
Petrakov’s expected formation is a 4-2-3-1 setup, aiming to solidify the defence while looking to capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities. The probable starting lineup features:
- Goalkeeper: Ognjen Cancarevic
- Defenders: Hovhannes Hambardzumyan, Varazdat Haroyan, Taron Voskanyan, Arman Hovhannisyan
- Midfielders: Eduard Spertsyan, Artak Dashyan, Solomon Udo, Tigran Barseghyan
- Forwards: Erik Vardanyan, Grant-Leon Ranos
Eduard Spertsyan, with his creative flair and goal-scoring ability, will be pivotal in Armenia’s midfield. However, the absence of experienced campaigners like Henrikh Mkhitaryan places additional pressure on younger players to step up.
Key Tactical Battles
One of the crucial areas to watch will be the midfield battle between Slovenia’s Adam Gnezda Cerin and Armenia’s Eduard Spertsyan. Cerin’s ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball effectively will be vital in countering Spertsyan’s playmaking skills. Additionally, the duel between Slovenia’s forward Benjamin Sesko and Armenia’s central defenders will be key. Sesko’s movement and finishing will test the Armenian backline’s organisation and resilience.
Gameplay Predictions
Slovenia are expected to dominate possession, leveraging their technical superiority and cohesive midfield play. Kek’s side will likely press high, aiming to win the ball back quickly and create scoring opportunities through their dynamic attacking trio. Armenia, conversely, will aim to stay compact defensively and look to exploit counter-attacking opportunities using the pace and creativity of their wingers and forward line.
Expected Goals (xG) Analysis
Slovenia’s offensive statistics from their qualifiers, averaging 2 goals per game and 12.2 total shots per game, highlight their ability to create and convert chances efficiently. Armenia, while less prolific, average 1.1 goals per game, indicating they can be dangerous if given opportunities. Slovenia’s defensive stability, with an average of 0.9 goals conceded per game, further underscores their strength.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Slovenia’s Strengths:
- Defensive Organisation: With Jan Oblak in goal and a disciplined backline, Slovenia are tough to break down.
- Midfield Versatility: Players like Gnezda Cerin and Lovric provide both defensive cover and attacking support.
- Home Advantage: Playing at home gives Slovenia an additional edge in terms of confidence and support.
Weaknesses:
- Injury Concerns: The fitness of key players like Josip Ilicic could be a factor.
- Attacking Consistency: While talented, the forward line needs to convert opportunities more consistently.
Armenia’s Strengths:
- Midfield Creativity: Eduard Spertsyan’s playmaking abilities are crucial for creating scoring chances.
- Counter-Attacking Threat: Armenia can exploit spaces left by attacking opponents through quick transitions.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: Recent heavy defeats highlight gaps in their defensive organisation.
- Inconsistent Form: Mixed results indicate a lack of stability and cohesion.
Managerial Critique
Matjaz Kek has brought stability and tactical nous to Slovenia, leading them to a successful qualification campaign. His ability to blend youth with experience has been key. However, Armenia’s Oleksandr Petrakov has struggled to find consistency, and his defensive tactics have often been found wanting. Petrakov needs to instill greater defensive discipline without stifling their attacking potential.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Best Bet for the Match: Slovenia to Win to Nil
Given Slovenia’s strong home form and Armenia’s recent struggles, betting on Slovenia to win to nil seems prudent. Their balanced squad and tactical discipline make them clear favourites.
Correct Score Prediction: Slovenia 3-0 Armenia
Considering Slovenia’s attacking depth and Armenia’s defensive issues, a 3-0 scoreline in favour of Slovenia is likely. Their ability to control the game and create numerous chances supports this prediction.
Goalscorer Prediction: Benjamin Sesko to Score Anytime
Sesko, with his finishing ability and recent form, is a strong candidate to score. His movement and goal-scoring instinct make him a likely scorer.
Which Team Will Score First: Slovenia
Slovenia’s tendency to start games strongly and Armenia’s recent defensive lapses suggest Slovenia will likely score first. Their pressing game could yield early goals.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Team Shots on Target Over 8.5
Slovenia’s aggressive attacking approach, averaging 4.3 shots on target per game, makes this a reasonable prediction. Against a defensively weak Armenia, Slovenia will aim to maximise their shooting opportunities.
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