Slovakia are seeking their first win in Group J of the Euro 2024 qualifiers as they host Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sunday. Both teams have shown some defensive solidity in recent times which means goals could come at a premium on Sunday.
Slovakia were held to a disappointing 0-0 home draw by Luxembourg in their opening fixture in Group J. They had more of the possession and created numerous chances but were wasteful in front of goal.
That was the fourth straight draw across all competitions for Slovakia, who will be keen to turn some of these results into wins. While they will look to take the positives from the stalemate with Luxembourg, the result means they are now winless in their six matches.
Things are just as difficult at home for Slovakia, who have drawn their last three matches in front of their fans. However, a positive is that they have looked solid at the back having kept clean in the last two fixtures in that run.
While Slovakia were struggling for goals in their opening fixture, Bosnia-Herzegovina made a flying start to their campaign. They claimed a 3-0 win over Iceland with Rade Krunic netting a brace while Amar Dedic was also on target.
With former European Champions Portugal also in the group, manager Faruk Hedzibegic will be pleased to have made such a start to their campaign. The Bosnians are unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, claiming five wins in that run.
While Bosnia-Herzegovina will be looking to build on their recent form, a closer look shows that their wins have come at home. They have won just once in their last 10 away matches, playing out five draws in that run.
How the bookies view it
Bosnia have a slight edge among the bookies with a win priced at 2/1 by Unibet. A victory for Slovakia is valued at 6/4 by BetVictor while bet365 is offering odds of 12/5 for a draw.
Head to head
Bosnia-Herzegovina have claimed three wins while Slovakia have been victorious just once in four previous matches. The most recent meeting between both teams was a 2014 World Cup qualifier which ended 2-1 in favour of the Bosnians.
Players to watch
The one positive for Slovakia in recent times is their defensive solidity having kept clean sheets in their last two home matches. With captain Milan Skriniar still out with injury, the duo of Norbert Gyomber and Lubomir Satka could be the ones to watch at the back and can lead the hosts to a clean sheet at 7/4 with bet365.
Having produced a shutout last time out against Iceland, Bosnia-Herzegovina will be targeting a similar outcome on Sunday. Centre-back Hrvoje Milicevic is likely to continue at the heart of the defence and can lead the visitors to a clean sheet at 9/4 with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
With Slovakia and Bosnia looking solid at the back lately, BTTS NO could be on the cards at 20/23 with BetVictor. Under 2.5 goals can also be considered at 8/13 with BetVictor.
Slovakia have been level at the break in their last two matches and could be set for a half time draw at evens with Unibet.
This Euro 2024 match between Slovakia and Bosnia-Herzegovina will be played on Mar 26, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Slovakia vs Bosnia-Herzegovina prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
