Slovenia vs Cyprus Prediction: Hosts to earn narrow friendly win

Slovenia host Cyprus at Stadion Stozice in Ljubljana on Thursday night before providing the opposition for World Cup-bound Croatia on Sunday. Bostjan Cesar's team failed to qualify for this summer's tournament after finishing third in Group B but the manager will be keen to assess his side ahead of September’s Nations League.

Slovenia have won just one of their last eight matches but, with home advantage, will be favourites to get the better of Cyprus who also missed out on the World Cup after coming fourth in qualifying Group H.

Team News

Slovenia will be without Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko who is sidelined with a shin problem, however, Cesar can call on Zan Vipotnik who was the top scorer in the Championship for Swansea this season.

Cyprus boss Akis Mantzios, who recently committed to the nation until 2029, has a full complement of players to choose from and may decide to experiment with the starting line-up to take a closer look at his squad.

Football Odds

Slovenia vs Cyprus Odds

Slovenia are priced at 1/3 to win the match while Cyprus are 8/1 to earn a surprise victory. The draw is priced at 10/3.

Under 1.5 goals is 9/4 and both teams to score is priced at 6/4. Cyprus are 16/5 to open the scoring.

Under 2.5 goals @ 4/5

Slovenia may have beaten Montenegro 3-2 back in March but goals have been hard to come by this season.

The team drew a blank in five of the previous six matches, managing just a single strike to draw with Sweden in World Cup qualifying back in November.

Five of the last six matches have featured under 2.5 goals and, while Vipotnik has proved he knows where the net is, Thursday’s match is unlikely to be a goalfest.

Cyprus have fared better in front of goal recently, scoring three against Moldova and four against San Marino but failed to find the net against Belarus and Austria.

Slovenia, who have been without goalkeeper Jan Oblak for the last three matches, have conceded a total of six goals in six matches and so backing under 2.5 goals for Thursday night's friendly could prove a smart move.

Slovenia to win @ 1/3

Cesar, who earned 101 caps for Slovenia, was appointed manager in January and has so far overseen two matches.

While his first match in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat by Hungary at the Puskas Arena, the 3-2 victory over Montenegro will have given the team great confidence.

Earning a first win in eight, Cesar will be hoping his team can make it two in a row before the challenge of Croatia on Sunday.

Cyprus have only won two games in their last 11 matches. While one of those victories did come on the road, San Marino are inferior opposition compared to Slovenia.

While it may not be a goalfest, Cesar's men are favourites to make home advantage count and win on Thursday.

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.