Moldova vs Slovakia – News and Probable Lineups

Eslováquia is set to make a crucial move towards advancement from League C of the Nations League on Tuesday, as they are scheduled to face Moldávia at Stadionul Zimbru.

The Moldovan side sits in second place with four points, while Eslováquia leads the group with seven points; a victory for the visitors could position them just one point shy of securing first place.

Match overview

Moldávia claimed a 2-1 victory against Cazaquistão, who are currently in fourth place, on Friday. Despite experiencing some early challenges, they showcased their superiority, particularly in the second half.

That recent win ensures that another victory would almost guarantee their safety, provided that Faroe Islands defeat Cazaquistão. However, their ambition will be to secure a place in the top two of the group.

Head coach Lilian Popescu will be hoping his team can avoid losing for the fifth time in six attempts on Tuesday, especially as they have drawn three of their last four fixtures.

The Tricolorii’s last win was notable, marking the third time this season they managed to score at least two goals, although it extended their run without a clean sheet to 18 matches.

Moldávia has drawn in their last two home encounters, but prior to that, they suffered defeats in the previous five matchups at home.

A win for Eslováquia would put them six points clear of the second and third-placed teams in the group, should Cazaquistão win against Faroe Islands; this would nearly assure their promotion as only six points would remain in play.

Manager Vladimir Weiss will likely feel frustrated after his team could only manage a 1-1 draw against Faroe Islands on Friday, particularly given their lack of threatening plays from open play.

In their previous encounter, Eslováquia secured a 2-0 win over Moldávia on September 26, marking their third consecutive victory against the Moldovan side.

Repre come into this match unbeaten across the last six fixtures, having won four, scored 11 goals, and conceded only five.

Nonetheless, Eslováquia has faced difficulties on the road, suffering six losses in their last eight away matches, with only one win.

Team News

Moldávia’s Petru Popescu and Nicky Clescenco both found the net against Cazaquistão, and they are almost guaranteed to keep their places in the starting XI.

Midfielder Vadim Rata was substituted in that match due to an injury, so it may be unwise to risk him on Tuesday; Ovidiu David could potentially take his place in the lineup.

For Eslováquia, there seems to be no doubt regarding the inclusion of Stanislav Lobotka in the midfield, where he could partner with Ondrej Duda and Tomas Suslov.

The visitors’ defense is expected to include central defenders Milan Skriniar and Denis Vavro in front of goalkeeper Dominik Greif.

David Strelec came off the bench last match but had started in Eslováquia’s first two matches of the Nations League. He could be an option to lead his side’s front line at Stadionul Zimbru.

Moldávia probable starting XI:

Celeadnic; Cucos, Iovu, Gerasimencov; Forov, Fratea, David, Perciun, Reabciuk; Clescenco, Popescu

Eslováquia probable starting XI:

Greif; Valjent, Skriniar, Vavro, Hancko; Suslov, Lobotka, Duda; Sauer, Sagittarius, Haraslin

While Eslováquia has experienced difficulties while away from home in recent months, they maintain an impressive record against Moldávia.

Victories for Moldávia have been infrequent, while Eslováquia’s overall form remains strong, which suggests the hosts may find themselves defeated on Tuesday.