Slovenia vs Serbia: Preview, lineups and predictions

Topping Group C was never the goal for either of these nations but both will believe they can proceed to the next round despite failing to win their opening matches. Serbia fell to a 1-0 defeat against England, a respectable showing against the pre-tournament favourites. They can be happy with how solid defensively they were in Gelsenkirchen but they will need more attacking prowess in this encounter.

Slovenia, meanwhile, rescued a point during a 1-1 draw with Denmark. Although there was an element of good fortune to Erik Janža’s equaliser, Slovenians arguably deserved it. Another draw here would likely leave them needing a positive result against England in their final group-stage match, so fully expect them to go for the win in Munich.

• Location: Munich
• Stadium: Munich Football Arena (Allianz Arena)
• Date: 20 June 2024
• Kick-off Time: 15:00 CEST (14:00 BST)
• Referee: István Kovács
• VAR: Pol van Boekel

Slovenia Team News

Matjaž Kek once again has a full squad to select from ahead of his side’s second Euro 2024 game. There had been some concerns last week regarding Benjamin Verbič, Miha Blažič and Petr Stojanović, but all three were fit enough for selection for the Denmark test. Stojanović was named in the starting lineup while Verbič replaced him for the final half an hour in what was a tactical change. Blažič was perhaps not quite at 100%, though, as he remained on the bench for the full game. Assuming he is feeling in top shape now, he may replace the less experienced Vanja Drkušić in the middle of defence.

Serbia Team News

Unfortunately, there is a real fear that Filip Kostić suffered knee ligament damage just before half-time in Serbia’s loss to England. The emotional reaction of the Juventus man suggested it was a tournament-ending injury and although we await official confirmation, it seems incredibly unlikely he will play any part this Thursday.

Nemanja Gudelj was replaced shortly after Kostic during the half-time break, but this was purely a tactical move, perhaps influenced by Gudej being on a yellow card. The Sevilla man should feature here along with Filip Mladenović, who is the prime candidate to replace Kostić.

Slovenia vs Serbia H2H Record and Key Numbers

Since becoming a stand-alone sovereign republic in 2006, Serbia has faced Slovenia on four occasions. The only goal difference separates them in their head-to-head record, as there have been two draws and one win for each nation.

As for comparing the respective form of both teams, Slovenia’s draw with Denmark means they have lost just one in their last 13 matches. While this sounds quite formidable, Matjaž Kek’s men drew against Malta and Bulgaria earlier this calendar year. Serbia’s form is much more inconsistent as they have not had the same results in two consecutive matches in over a year.

Possible Lineups

• Slovenia (4-4-2): Oblak – Karničnik, Blažič, Bijol, Janža – Stojanović, Elšnik, Gnezda Čerin, Mlakar – Šporar, Šeško
• Serbia (3-4-3): Rajković – Veljković, Milenković, Pavlović – Živković, Lukić, Gudelj, Mladenović – Vlahović, Mitrović, Milinković-Savić

Where to Watch Slovenia vs Serbia Euro 2024 – TV and Online Live Streaming

Prediction

Serbia failed to create any real attacks of note against England on Sunday night. But this shouldn’t necessarily be seen as a sign of things to come. Not only are the Serbs generally just quite inconsistent, but England is not easy to break down. Serbia face a Slovenia side with just one clean sheet in their last five matches. Therefore, Stojković’s men should offer far more threat this time around. Slovenia will offer some resistance, but even with Kostić out, Serbia should have enough firepower to edge this game 2-1.

More Slovenia vs Serbia match predictions are available on our special tipsters page for this game.

*Odds are subject to change