Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Two camps who are desperate to keep their World Cup dreams alive on Thursday night, Slovakia will welcome Kosovo to Bratislava.
Slovakia
Starting with the hosts, while Slovakia might have signed off their Group A campaign with a nightmare 6-0 drumming at the hands of Germany back in November, the Falcons should have taken plenty of positives away from an eye-catching qualifying adventure. Winning four of their Group A showdowns and getting their qualifying charge underway with an iconic 2-0 victory against Germany on September 4th, Francesco Calzona’s side will be excited to make a return to home soil here. Last seen in Bratislava securing a gritty 1-0 win against Northern Ireland, Slovakia have won each of their previous three straight matchups in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 5-0. Likewise, Calzona’s side have not suffered a single competitive defeat on home soil since way back in September 2023.
Slovakia Team News
While skipper Milan Skriniar might have controversially been called-up by Calzona this month, the Fenerbahce ace is still dealing with a recent muscle injury and it remains to be seen if the 31-year-old will play any part on Thursday night.
Not making a single appearance since New Year’s Day, Slovakia are unable to call upon Stoke City striker Robert Bozenik. Helping Atletico Madrid to the Champions League quarter-finals last week, David Hancko will start at the back.
Kosovo
As for the visitors, securing a silver medal finish in Group B last year, Kosovo rightfully received a string of plaudits from across the continent. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their six World Cup qualifying appearances, Franco Foda’s side have also gained a reputation for their rugged approach. Clinching back-to-back qualifying victories against Sweden last year, the Blues should also be excited by their extended defensive steel. Despite signing off their Group B campaign with a 1-1 stalemate at home against Switzerland, that was remarkably the only goal that Foda’s men shipped from any of their five five World Cup qualifying appearances. Likewise, suffering just a single competitive defeat on foreign soil since the summer of 2024, Kosovo will certainly cause some real headaches here.
Kosovo Team News
Dealing with a recent muscle injury and not featuring over the past month, Napoli defender Amir Rrahmani has not been included in Kosovo’s squad. Heidenheim star Leart Paqarada remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury and will play no part here.
Enjoying a record-breaking La Liga run this season and notching 18 domestic goals, Mallorca marksman Vedat Muriqi will lead the line on Thursday night. Sassuolo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric will start between the sticks in Bratislava and earn a 49th international cap.
Slovakia vs Kosovo Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in Bratislava will be the first competitive meeting between Slovakia and Kosovo.
- Slovakia are unbeaten in front of their own supporters since way back to September 2023.
- Kosovo shipped just a single strike in any of their final five World Cup qualifying appearances.
- The Blues have suffered just a sole competitive defeat on foreign soil since back in June 2024.
- Slovakia have remarkably recorded a clean sheet in seven of their last nine competitive appearances across all competitions.
Conclusion
Two camps who have gained a reputation for their defensive grit, we could be set for a nail-bitting affair on Thursday night. Watching Slovakia record seven clean sheets from their previous nine competitive appearances across all competitions, chances could come at a premium in Bratislava. Likewise, with Kosovo remarkably shipping just a single strike in any of their final five World Cup qualifying showdowns last year, we are expecting a nervy night.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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