Russia vs Slovakia: Prediction and Betting Tips

Russia in a very crucial match for their World Cup hopes

Two back-to-back 2-0 wins kept Russia in strong contention to qualify for their third straight World Cup finals. In fact, they have the same points as Croatia the leaders of Group H,13. And with still a trip to play Croatia in the last match of the group, there are no margins for errors for the Russians.

However, coach Valeri Karpin must make sure his team is in perfect condition. The reason for that is Russia’s last two meetings with Slovakia where they lost. In fact, Russia’s last win over Slovakia in a competitive game dates back to 2011. As a result, it is of great importance that Karpin fields his best offensive players while maintaining the right balance at the back.

Russia Key Points

• Russia had five clean sheets in their last ten matches
• The average goals scored by Russia in the last ten matches is 1.1
• Karpin’s team scored in two of their last three home matches in the WCQ

Работа в Новогорске не прекращается ? pic.twitter.com/cA1Kgbchpo

— Сборная России (@TeamRussia) October 5, 2021

Slovakia’s destiny in the qualifiers could be decided here

This is a must-win game for Slovakia if they want to keep their hopes alive to play in Qatar.  Notably, four points from their last three matches in the previous window were not enough. However, their last victory over Cyprus broke a four-match losing streak.

Moreover, Slovakia’s record against Russia in their last two games might give them some confidence. Also, coach Stefan Tarkovic’s team has a very good record against tier hosts in competitive games (W3, D2, L1). But coach Tarkovic needs to find better offensive options as the Slovaks scoring record is not very encouraging.

Slovakia Key Points

• Slovakia failed to score in four of their last ten matches
• The average goals scored by Slovakia in their last ten matches is one
• Tarkovic’s team had just one clean sheet in their last four away games

Russia vs Slovakia Prediction

Probably the three points in this game are the most important of all the qualifying games for both teams. With still four matches to go, Slovakia are trailing their hosts by four points. Hence a win here is a must to keep intact with the top two spots.

On the other hand, Russia must forget their last two defeats by their visitors and go for the win themselves. That will almost secure them the second spot with two easy matches left to play and a trip to Croatia.

With odds of 1.90 at Vbet, Russia emerge as favorite to win this match. Also, the bookies are predicting a low-scoring game with under 2.5 goals having odds of 1.63. We will back a double chance and total goals combo at Vbet.

Russia vs Slovakia Betting Tips

Russia win or Draw and Under 3.5 Goals 1.50

Both Teams To Score Yes 2.06 at Vbet