Luxembourg will host Slovakia as both teams are in a battle for second in Group J. Luxembourg has picked up 11 points from their seven matches in the section to sit in third position. Slovakia have 13 points from their seven games, which has left them in second spot.
Preview (Luxembourg vs. Slovakia)
There is a lot on the line because Luxembourg has emerged as the group’s biggest surprise. The national team is trying to become the first in its history to reach a major tournament’s finals. With three victories, two draws, and two defeats in their seven games, the team has already surpassed its previous best points total during a European Championship qualification campaign. With 11 points, they are now in third place in their group. This match is crucial because Portugal has already qualified for Euro 2024 from this group. Slovakia is only two points ahead of Luxembourg in second place.
Currently, Bosnia-Herzegovina, who is currently in fourth place, and Iceland, who is currently in fifth place, can both sneak into the top two spots. However, the situation will change after Monday’s matches. A victory for Luc Holtz’s team here would put them in a great position going into their final two matches. On Friday night, the Red Lions played Iceland on the road and came away with a 1-1 tie. Gerson Rodrigues scored the equalizer after Orri Oskarsson had put the home team ahead. Portugal defeated Slovakia 3-2 on Friday in Porto. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and Goncalo Ramos also scored for the home team.
The Falcons must now regroup as they get ready to head to Luxembourg for a crucial match on Monday night after Francesco Calzona’s men gave a great performance but ultimately fell just short against the section’s finest team. With four wins, one tie, and two losses in seven games—both of which came against Portugal—Slovakia is still in control of second place with 13 points. The Representatives participated in the last two European Championship finals. They made it as far as the round of 16 in Euro 2016 before losing in the group stage in Euro 2020. In November, Slovakia’s final two matches in the group are against Iceland (H) and Bosnia-Herzegovina (A).
Team News
Following their match with Iceland on Friday, Luxembourg has not reported any injury issues. In the team’s most recent game, Rodrigues came off the bench to make a contribution. For this crucial encounter in the division, he should take Alessio Curci’s place in the midfield. Danel Sinani, who has 12 goals for his country, will once again play in a deeper position. Vincent Thill is anticipated to hold his position in the wide area. Slovak Republic head coach Calzona is anticipated to make adjustments to the team that started the previous match against Portugal.
Laszlo Benes and Tomas Suslov both had strong performances as substitutes in the 3-2 defeat, and they are now expected to be given starting duties in this game. Ondrej Duda and Stanislav Lobotka will undoubtedly start for the guests on Monday night, while Milan Skriniar will once again serve as the team’s captain from the middle of the defense. Slovakia should triumph in this match if they can tighten up defensively after their performance against Portugal in their previous match. Although Luxembourg has performed admirably in the section, we are betting on an away victory on Monday night.
Luxembourg 1 – 2 Slovakia
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