Cyprus VS Slovenia, a competitive encounter

Match Time：3/30/2021 23:59 Tuesday  (GMT+8)

FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) --  Cyprus   VS   Slovenia

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Slovenia head into their World Cup qualifying fixture with Cyprus looking for the victory which would ensure that they remain in the top two of Group H.

 

Having earned a draw with Slovakia on matchday one, Cyprus have the opportunity to move ahead of their opponents with success in Nicosia.

 

Match preview

Before the start of this group, there was a feeling that Russia, Slovenia and Slovakia would be competing in a three-horse race to finish behind probable winners Croatia.

 

However, Slovenia's surprise win over the 2018 finalists on Wednesday has changed everything, leaving each of the four nations with the belief that they can still progress in top spot.

 

Even though Matjaz Kek witnessed his side lose in Russia at the weekend, two of their toughest fixtures are out of the way with the team still occupying second position.

 

With Cyprus and a home fixture versus Slovakia to come, there is an opportunity for Slovenia to heap the pressure on their rivals as they bid to earn their third-ever appearance at the tournament.

 

Saturday's 2-1 reverse ended a nine-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, a period which had lasted since November 2019.

 

As far as Cyprus are concerned, they will only take the positives from earning a point from fixtures against Slovakia and Croatia.

 

Despite succumbing 1-0 in Rijeka at the weekend, conceding just one goal to two of the better teams in this group should stand them in good stead over the next eight months.

 

The team's lack of a goal threat is no secret with just four strikes coming from their 10 fixtures since international football resumed in September.

 

Nevertheless, they defeated Luxembourg as recently as November, a result which now looks far more impressive now that Republic of Ireland have lost to the same opponents.

 

Only Marios Ilia and Grigoris Kastanos have been on the scoresheet in their last seven matches.

 

Cyprus World Cup Qualifying - Europe form:DL

Cyprus form (all competitions):DLWLDL

Slovenia World Cup Qualifying - Europe form:WL

Slovenia form (all competitions):WDWDWL

 

Team News

Neophytos Michael is likely to start between the sticks for Cyprus after Demetrious Demetriou sustained an injury at the weekend.

 

While Pieros Sotiriou could also be recalled in place of Ilia in the final third, the remainder of the side may remain the same.

 

Despite the defeat in Russia, Kek is unlikely to make many alterations to his Slovenia starting lineup.

 

Nejc Skubic is an option at right-back, while Amedej Vetrih will be regarded as an alternative in the centre of the pitch.

 

Former Newcastle United youngster Haris Vuckic is also in contention for an opportunity in attack.

 

Cyprus possible starting lineup:

Michael; Kousoulos, Soteriou, Laifis; Psaltis, Artymatas, Kyriakou, Ioannou; Tzionis, Sotiriou, Pittas

 

Slovenia possible starting lineup:

Oblak; Skubic, Blazic, Mevlja, Balkovec; Vetrih, Kurtic, Lovric; Ilicic, Sporar, Zajc

 

Cyprus 0-2 Slovenia