Kazakhstan vs Slovakia

Astana Arena is the venue as Kazakhstan and Slovakia go head-to-head in a top-table UEFA Nations League Group C3 six-pointer.

After winning their opening two League C3 fixtures without conceding, Kazakhstan could only manage a 1-1 draw with Belarus last time out, despite holding a half-time lead. Quick out of the blocks, the ‘Hawks’ opened the scoring within 30 minutes of play in both previous Nations League outings. With Slovakia breathing down their necks, Kazakhstan will draw inspiration from a narrow 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this month. Now seeking back-to-back home wins in the Nations League for the first time, Magomed Adiyev’s men are hoping to build on a decent run of four triumphs from six internationals, friendlies included (D2). Moreover, they are unbeaten in their last three home outings (W2, D1).

On the other hand, Slovakia have alternated between victories (2) and defeats (1) across their opening three League C3 matches, with each result (win/loss) yielding an identical 1-0 scoreline. Scoring first would significantly boost Slovakia’s hopes of avenging the abovementioned H2H reverse. Indeed, their last 11 wins/losses have seen the winner keep a clean sheet. With four shutouts racked up across their last six internationals, the Slovakians must be feeling safe and sound. What’s more, the ‘Falcons’ will seek inspiration in an eye-catching three-match winning streak on foreign soil, with their last two away triumphs coming by a 1-0 scoreline.