Slovakia travel to face Lithuania on Friday night as they try to cement their position inside the top two in Group F; however, despite the disparity between these two in the FIFA rankings, this fixture might just be a lot closer than the market suggests.
Since their relatively respectable showing at the Euros last summer, Slovakia have been on something of a downward slope. Despite sitting 2nd in Group F, their performances have left plenty to be desired, particularly away from home. On the other side of the coin, Lithuania who’re ranked 83 places below Slovakia according to FIFA, have acquitted themselves well during this campaign. The visitors may be heavy favourites, but this might not be the most straightforward of evenings. The bet that stands out is ‘Both Teams to Score’ at 6/4.
Of course Lithuania haven’t exactly set the world alight by claiming just five points from their opening five matches, but, considering their limited resources, Edgaras Jankauskas’ side can hold their heads high and come into this fixture unbeaten at home in their last three having drawn to Slovenia and beaten both Estonia and Malta. More importantly, Lithuania have scored in all three of those fixtures and are currently the group’s third-highest scorers on their own turf. A 2-2 draw against Slovenia is perhaps the host’s most stand out piece of form, especially from an attacking point of view. On that occasion, they showed no fear and made good use of the counter, a tactic that could certainly pay dividends against a Slovakia team who’re unlikely to come here and sit back.
As things stand, the table is looking OK for Slovakia in terms of finishing inside the top two, but they will definitely need to up their game in the second half of this campaign if they’re to challenge England for top spot. However, their shaky back-line could cost them and is expected to prove problematic once again in this fixture. Ján Kozák’s men have conceded in each of their away matches in qualifying so far and come into this match having shut their opponents out just once in their last five on the road.
The visitors are capable of fielding a more talented footballing side than their hosts here and should have the quality to score a few goals; however, securing three points might not be the easiest of tasks. Having conceded against minnows Malta in their last qualifier, it would be no surprise if a Lithuania side who’ve been thriving on their own patch were to complicate matters by getting on the score-sheet in Vilnius on Saturday evening.
Click here to read more World Cup Qualifying tips.