It’s been a slow and indifferent start to Slovakia’s World Cup qualifying campaign as they’ve been held to back-to-back draws by Cyprus 0-0 away from home but then a disappointing 2-2 draw at home with Malta.
Slovakia hold home advantage again for Tuesday night’s clash against Russia at their Štadión Antona Malatinského.
Начнём воскресенье с приятного. Таблица группы H 👌#НашиПарни #СборнаяРоссии pic.twitter.com/PsF4c9JbLq— Сборная России (@TeamRussia) March 28, 2021
Начнём воскресенье с приятного. Таблица группы H 👌#НашиПарни #СборнаяРоссии pic.twitter.com/PsF4c9JbLq
The hosts may well find themselves up against it here as Russia lead Group H with a 100% winning record and look to be strong opposition in this clash.
It’s now just three wins out of Slovakia’s last 10 matches in all competitions although two of these wins were won on penalties (against Republic of Ireland in a European Qualifier) and in extra-time (against Northern Ireland in a European Qualifier), so in effect, Slovakia have only won once in normal time during this period.
Slovakia have performed well at home though in World Cup qualifiers as they’re unbeaten in their last five matches, winning four of these but they face a tough task in this one.
Onto Russia and the visitors sit top of Group H with the maximum six points thanks to wins against Malta 3-1 away from home and a 2-1 home win against Slovenia.
Russia are certainly living up to their group favourites tag in the early stages of this qualifying phase.
Russia had previously endured a six-match winless streak in all competitions but they seem to have clicked into gear for their World Cup qualifying campaign, assisted by the goalscoring exploits of striker Dzyuba who has already notched 3 goals in the first two group matches.
As Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup there’s a gap of eight years between their last qualifying campaign but they’re unbeaten in their last six qualifiers, winning five of these so they look set to get something out of this upcoming trip to Slovakia on Tuesday night.
In addition, Russia have lost just three of their last 11 World Cup qualifiers away from home and includes notable wins at Finland 3-0, Wales 3-1 and Israel 4-0, so they’ll be confident that they can get a result at the Štadión Antona Malatinského and further extend their lead at the top of Group H.
Russia have won two of the previous three meetings against Slovakia and their winning momentum may just be the difference in Slovakia on Tuesday night.