Slovakia vs Romania predictions: Back big priced Romanians to steal victory
- Slovakia let last-16 place slip in Group E defeat
- Romania created chances in Belgium loss
- Recommended bet: Romania to beat Slovakia
There is still everything to play for in Group E, with all four teams level on three points having won one and lost one of their opening two games.
Slovakia come into this one off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Ukraine, while Romania were also beaten in their last outing, suffering a 2-0 loss to Belgium.
Team news
Slovakia are likely to stick with the same team that lost to Ukraine, with Francesco Calzona fielding a 4-3-3 formation.
Romania made one change in their last match, with Valentin Mihaila replacing Florinel Coman.
Edward Iordanescu’s team have enjoyed counter-attacking success with a 4-5-1 formation at this tournament.
The stats
Only Belgium and in-form Colombia have beaten Romania in their last 17 games.
These teams last met in a friendly match back in 2013, drawing 1-1.
Before their most recent defeat, only Portugal and Austria had defeated Slovakia in 18 games.
Prediction
Slovakia were so close to securing a place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024 during their last match against Ukraine, in which Ivan Schranz had given them a 17th-minute lead.
Though the Ukrainians pulled one back early in the second-half, a draw would have been a very useful result for a team that shocked Belgium in the opener, but the Falcons conceded again in the 80th minute.
Slovakia should not be disheartened, as they created plenty of chances and on another day would have won the match.
They enjoyed a little luck against Belgium and did not get much in their second game, but their form over the last couple of years suggests that they have a chance to make it through.
The trouble is, Romania’s record is slightly more impressive, especially when it comes to their defensive performances.
Of their last 11 games they have kept seven clean sheets and though they do not tend to keep much possession in their games, they are adept at making the most of their counter-attacks.
From just 29% of the possession against Ukraine they managed nine shots and three goals, and while they did not score against Belgium it was not for the want of trying, with 14 shots from 45% of the play.
If there is an element that will worry Iordanescu it is his team’s finishing, as they have now failed to score in three of their last four games.
Regardless, Romania would appear to have the edge here and as they are the betting outsiders in a game where the draw is rated as the most probable result, it could pay to back them to claim a win.
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