Slovakia Vs Russia Betting Tip: Russia – 30 March 2021

Keep faith with Russian momentum in Trnava

Marek Hamsik / Slovakia ©IMAGO / TT 10.03.2021

Slovakia Slovakia Vs Russia Russian Federation

Tuesday, 30th March 2021 – 19:45
World Cup Qualifier
Pick: Russia to WIN
Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Betfair
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 28th March 2021)

Preview: Pressure is already building in the Slovakia camp following an underwhelming start to proceedings in Group H. Conversely, Russia are flying, seeking their third successive win in Trnava on Tuesday that would keep them atop the section.

World Cup Qualifying Betting at Bet365

 

Slovakia – Onus to win firmly on beleaguered hosts?

Successive draws, against the lowest ranked teams in Group H, has rocked Slovakia who, as the second seeds in this group, were expected to be in the qualifying shake up. “Instead of six points after two games, we have just two,” lamented forward David Strelec, whose goal four minutes after half-time sparked the comeback that ensured The Falcons at least scraped a 2-2 draw at home to Malta on Saturday.

The sheer fact Malta, a side ranked 176 in the world, found themselves two goals to the good in Trnava is alarming. Three days after they were held to a goalless stalemate in Nicosia by Cyprus. The latter ranked a cool 100. The assignments only get stiffer from here then, beginning with Russia, who The Falcons are yet to register a win – or even score a goal against – in two prior home meetings (D1 L1).

When including only those results earned inside 90 minutes, Slovakia have posted only one win, scoring eight goals, across their last ten internationals (W1 D5 L4). Meanwhile none of the teams encountered during this timeframe boast a ranking that is currently superior to that of Russia, who are currently 39th – five places further down from Slovakia – and sit top of this section after two wins from two.

 

Russia Win & Both To Score
10/3

Bet365

 

Russia – Cherchesov’s men on top and keen to stay there?

As the hosts for the 2018 edition that seen them reach the quarter-final stage, Russia had an easy ride to the tournament itself before excelling and, in the opinion of many, far exceeding expectations. This time around, though, Stanislav Cherchesov’s team are out to show they are worthy of their place at next year’s finals, opening their accounts in a competitive-looking Group H with quick-fire victories.

Saturday’s 2-1 win on home soil, in Sochi, over Slovenia was all the more impressive bearing in mind the opposition in question were seeking an extension to their nine-match unbeaten streak that included victory against the highest seeds in this section, Croatia, last week. It came hot on the heels of their 3-1 triumph in Malta, who would claim a share of the spoils at this same venue only a matter of days ago.

Those successes came after a rather bleak period, though, having navigated the final two international breaks of last year without so much as sampling a single win from six encounters (D3 L3). Three of which were on the road: a goalless draw in Moldova preceding the 3-2 and 5-0 defeats away in Turkey and Serbia respectively. They did, however, win four of five away Euro 2020 qualifiers.

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Slovakia Vs Russia Betting Advice

The onus is certainly on the hosts. Slovakia badly need a pick-me-up after a laboured start to qualifying, failing to secure wins against the two weakest teams in this section after drawing with Cyprus and Malta. The latter held a 2-0 half-time lead at this very venue only on Saturday. Something I am sure Russia will have noted as they look to maintain their perfect start to qualifying.

 

Slovakia Vs Russia – Key Facts:

  • These teams are separated by five positions in the latest FIFA rankings, however, it is Russia (39) who are currently on top in Group H, four points clear of Slovakia (34).
  • Slovakia have been forced to settle for a share of the spoils in both their opening encounters (0-0 vs Cyprus, 2-2 vs Malta). They’ve one win in ten games (W1 D5 L4 when excluding extra-time and penalties).
  • Russia boast six points from six so far following 1-3 and 2-1 victories over in Malta and at home to Slovenia respectively. They were winless in six (D3 L3) beforehand.

 

Russia weren’t perfect in either of their victories so far, over Malta (1-3) and then Slovenia (2-1), but produced a much more accomplished display to score twice against a defensively resolute Slovenia last time. Their early form in 2021, although still from a small sample size, trumps that of Slovakia who’ve been laboured thus far. So I’d be keen to stick with the current momentum of the visitors.

Best Betting Tips – Slovakia Vs Russia

Slovakia – 21/5 (Unibet)
Draw – 12/5 (BetVictor)
Russia – 17/20 (Betfair)