Slovakia have gained a wave of fresh energy and momentum since Vladimir Weiss took over as national team coach, so I feel comfortable backing them to win on Friday.
Key Stats
- Slovakia have won their last 2 matches.
- Montenegro have lost 5 of their last 9 matches.
Two Previous Meetings
These two sides have never met in a competitive match, with both previous H2H encounters coming in international friendlies.
Slovakia Under New Leadership
Slovakia failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which sparked a number of changes, the most significant being the reappointment of Vladimir Weiss as national team coach in place of Francesco Calzona.
They couldn’t compete against Germany in the group phase, then were beaten in the playoff semifinals by Kosovo 4-3 despite having 1.75-1.13 expected goals and 21-9 shots in this match.
Weiss’ debut was a couple of days ago, beating Malta 2-1 harder than expected. Roland Galcik secured victory in the 97th minute on Adrian Kapralik’s assist. Slovakia fired 27 shots here, 9 of which on target.
Montenegro Might Lack Motivation
Montenegro had an underwhelming run in the WC 2026 qualifiers, accumulating just nine points in eight matches to finish behind Croatia, Czech Republic and Faroe Islands in Group L.
Mirko Vucinic’s side played two international friendlies in late March, registering a 2-0 home victory against Andorra and a 3-2 defeat against Slovenia.
A couple of days ago, they locked horns against Bulgaria and claimed a 1-0 victory in Plovdiv, Balsa Sekulic netting the only goal in the 68th minute.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Slovakia (4-3-3) Dominik Takac; Tomas Pavek, Martin Valjent, Lubomir Satka, Adam Obert; Ondrej Duda, Matus Bero, Laszlo Benes; Tomas Suslov, Robert Bozenik, Lukas Haraslin
Captain Milan Skriniar and playmaker Stanislav Lobotka are both ruled out through injury.
Captain Milan Skriniar and playmaker Stanislav Lobotka are both ruled out through injury.
Montenegro (4-4-2) Danijel Petkovic; Bojan Roganovic, Igor Vujacic, Slobodan Rubezic, Andrija Raznatovic; Milos Brnovic, Milan Vukotic, Andrija Bulatovic, Driton Camaj; Andrej Kostic, Milutin Osmajic
The visitors have omitted veteran leader Stevan Jovetic, while Nikola Krstovic and Stefan Savic withdrew due to fitness issues.
The visitors have omitted veteran leader Stevan Jovetic, while Nikola Krstovic and Stefan Savic withdrew due to fitness issues.