Slovakia vs Kosovo Prediction: Kosovo can down the Falcons

Slovakia host Kosovo in their World Cup qualifying playoff semi-final and the Falcons will hope to soar to victory at Stadion Tehelne pole.

A clash against either Turkey or Romania awaits the winner, but first the two World Cup hopefuls come together in Bratislava on Thursday night.

Team News

Slovakia will be without Robert Bozenik, with the Stoke forward struggling with a shoulder injury. Defender Lubomir Satka is also missing after breaking his hand. Middlesbrough’s David Strelec is expected to lead the line.

Kosovo captain Amir Rrahmani is injured and will not play a part on Thursday night. The Dardanians will also be missing Leon Avdullahu and Leart Paqarada through injury. Leard Sadriu was a last minute addition to the squad.

Football Odds

Slovakia vs Kosovo Odds

Slovakia are 23/20 to win on Thursday, while Kosovo are 11/4 to triumph on the road and the draw is available at 21/10. The Falcons are 8/15 to qualify, with Kosovo 11/8 to book their place against Turkey or Romania on Tuesday.

Kosovo draw no bet @ 6/4

Slovakia are favourites to come out on top in Bratislava, but the market confidence may be misplaced. The Falcons recorded an eye-catching home victory over Germany in the World Cup qualifiers, but Francesco Calzona’s men shouldn’t be judged on that effort.

They only finished three points clear of Northern Ireland in Group A and it’s difficult to take a short price about a side, who scored just six goals in six qualifying games.

Yes, the Falcons found the net twice in a 2-0 victory over Germany, but this is a team lacking attacking threat and that was evident when Calzona’s men failed to score a single goal in the two legs of their Nations League playoff with Slovenia.

Kosovo were good enough to win and keep clean sheets in Sweden and Slovenia in their qualifying section and the Dardanians are a robust side, who conceded only five goals in six World Cup qualifying games.

The pressure is on in the play-offs and that’s unlikely to see Slovakia come out of their shell. A low goal expectancy means keeping the draw onside in a wise move and, at 6/4, Kosovo rate a play on the draw no bet market, and may fancy themselves in extra-time.

No goalscorer @ 5/1

Slovakia have scored only four goals in their last five matches. They only beat lowly Luxembourg 1-0 in the World Cup qualifiers and the Falcons couldn’t find the net in either of the two legs of their Nations League playoff with Slovenia.

Francesco Calzona’s men suffered a 1-0 friendly loss to Israel last year and they signed off from Group A without scoring against Germany.

Kosovo have conceded just one goal in their last five matches and Franco Foda’s visitors are a committed and solid defensive unit.

With nerves to be expected, a bet on no goalscorer, with an own goal not counting as the first goal, would cover a 0-0 correct score and 5/1 looks a little too big.

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