Slovakia Vs. England: Preview, Prediction, Possible Line-Ups, Betting Tips, And Live Streaming
Competition: World Cup Qualification Europe
Date: 4 September 2016
Kick off: 5 p.m. BST
Venue: Stadium Antona Malatinskeho
England will travel to Slovakia to kick start their World Cup 2018 Russia Qualification under new manager Sam Allardyce. The Three Lions had a disappointing European Championship this summer and they will want to put the ghosts of the Euro 2016 behind them and make a victorious start against Slovakia.
Slovakia: Team News
Slovakia’s approach to the game is quite predictable as they like to sit deep, absorb pressure, and hit in the counter. The Slovakians usually use this style against stronger oppositions, where they are likely to have minimal chances to score but are efficient with them.
? @OfficialBigSam and the #ThreeLions visit the @CityArenaTrnava, where the @FIFAWorldCup qualifying campaign begins pic.twitter.com/VmzPDb0z5s
— England (@England) September 3, 2016
Marik Hamsik is the star man in the team, and he will try to pull the strings from midfield. The Napoli midfielder will hope his team will break the disappointing run of form in which they have won only two of the last eight international games. And like England, they have had underwhelming Euro 2016, being thrashed by Germany in the round of 16.
Last time these two teams locked horns against each other was in the group stage of Euro 2016 in which Slovakia stopped England from a win.
Slovakia: Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1)
Kozacik — Pekarik, Skrtel, Gyomber, Svento — Hrosovsky, Kucka — Mak, Hamsik, Duda — Duric
England: Team News
England manager “Big Sam” is known for building a side that is solid, robust, and with physical style of play. It may not be easy on the eye but it is likely to grind the results in England’s favor.
It will be interesting to see whether Allardyce picks out-of-favor Joe Hart or goes with Tom Heaton, who has impressed in recent games with Burnley.
Allardyce has stated that he will make sure Wayne Rooney continues as the skipper, although many wonder where the Manchester United man will be deployed by the former West Ham manager.
Jamie Vardy is expected to lead the line against Slovakia. He is likely to be supported by the trio of Rooney, Deli Alli, and Adam Lallana from behind.
England: Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1)
Hart — Clyne, Cahill, Jagielka, Shaw — Drinkwater, Henderson — Alli, Rooney, Lallana — Vardy
Slovakia vs England: Betting Tips and Odds
(Odds via Paddypower)
- Slovakia win: 16/5
- A draw: 11/5
- England win: evens
- Both teams to score: 11/10
- Both teams fail to score: 4/6
- Marek Hamsik first goal scorer: 9/1
- Jamie Vardy first goal scorer: 11/2
? #ThreeLions in good spirits as they warm up for today's training session https://t.co/OiYJwrL3oS
— England (@England) September 3, 2016
Vardy has been in quite a form lately, so it would be wise to bet on him to be on scoring list, maybe the first goalscorer of the game. One can also fancy Slovakia’s main threat Marek Hamsik to be on the goal-scoring list as he has good goal-scoring record in national team colors.
Slovakia vs England: Head to Head
So far England have faced Slovakia in five games in which they have come out on top in three. The remaining two games have ended in a draw.
The last game was ended in a tie as Slovakia produced a defensive masterclass to disturb England’s campaign in last Euros.
Slovakia vs England: Prediction
While it is no secret that England will be favorites for this clash, they have to be wary of the threat posed by the Hamsik and Co. Slovakia neutralized England last time they met, so this time too they have a good chance to take something from Sam Allardyce’s men.
But it is to be kept in mind that Slovakia are at sixes and sevens these days, so it is unlikely that England would be stopped this time.
Final Predicted Score: Slovakia 0-2 England
Slovakia vs England: Live Streaming
One can watch the game Slovakia vs England online through one of the various live streaming websites. If you wish to watch the live streaming online in HD quality, then click this link.
The link will be updated just before kickoff.
[Photo by Laurent Cipriani/AP Images]
