The first game of the day on Thursday from Euro 2024, and the second group game for both of these teams, Slovenia take on Serbia in a game where both sides need the points. Neither won their opener, but Slovenia did take a point from their game, and both sides know three here would really aid their chances of progression to the knockout phase.
Slovenia Form GuideI am really struggling to work out how I feel about Slovenia from their first game. They looked ok, and got a point, against Denmark, but then I do also think that Denmark were below par on the day, and perhaps made Slovenia look a little better than they actually were.
But the fact is, they got a point from that game, and with some third placed teams getting through to the knockout phase, anything from this game would certainly keep Slovenia in the mix. Should they get three, then they would have an excellent chance of second and a guaranteed place in the knockout phase.
Serbia Form GuideSerbia lost their opener 1-0 to England, but other than the first half an hour of that game, I thought they stood up well to England. At the start of the game, they were a little overrun, but let's not forget England are favourites, and the quality of opponent for Serbia here goes down dramatically. Serbia looked better when they were behind, chasing the game, and given the fact they got nothing from their first game, they will probably start like that here, as they need the points.
I am expecting a performance like the second half against England, but what Serbia will have to do better is get shots on target. They had plenty of the ball in the England half in the second half on Sunday, but failed to really rack up any good chances, they need to improve that here.
Match PredictionI think Serbia can take heart from their second half performance against England, and a repeat of that would be enough to win this game. I will back them to do so, beating a Slovenia side who managed a point against Denmark, but I think this one will be much tougher.
