Iceland vs Luxembourg Prediction (13.10.2023)

On Friday night, Iceland and Luxembourg go head-to-head at the Laugardalsvollur in a game that could heavily affect who qualifies for Euro 2024 from Group J.

Qualification looks highly unlikely for the Nordic nation, as they currently lie in fifth place in Group J, although it is not yet mathematically impossible. They have picked up just six points from their opening six qualifiers, which has left them seven points adrift of Slovakia, who occupy the final automatic qualification spot for next year's tournament.

A 1-0 home win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in their last qualifier ended a three-game losing streak in qualifying for the home side. The game was a rare low-scoring affair for Age Hareide’s team, as seven of their last nine matches have produced over 2.5 goals.

Iceland has a mixed recent home record in qualifying, although they have won six of their previous nine home qualifiers.

The visitors have been a surprise package in Group J, as they are currently in third place in the group, only three points adrift of Slovakia in the race for automatic qualification for Euro 2024.

Despite their tally of ten points, Luxembourg suffered a 9-0 drubbing at group leaders Portugal. The defeat ended a three-game winning streak in qualifying for the visitors. The game also ended a prolific run of form in front of goal for Luc Holtz’s team, who had scored at least two goals in three of their straight victories.

Luxembourg have been poor travellers in European Championship qualifying, as they have won just one of their previous 18 qualifiers, having suffered 15 defeats in the run. Their recent away qualifiers have been relatively high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in 12 of their previous 16 games in qualifying on their travels.

This could be a big game for both teams, but it's hard to back either team for the win. The bet I am backing is for both teams to score, as I believe neither team is great in defence, so they could both concede.