Kazakhstan and Slovenia will meet on Sunday in the UEFA Nations League, both eager to recover from midweek defeats. With relegation from League B Group 3 becoming a serious threat, both teams are desperate for points as they trail behind Norway and Austria in the standings.
Match Preview:
Kazakhstan, after being promoted from League C in 2022, had a tough start to their League B campaign in September. They managed a goalless draw with Norway but then suffered a 3-0 defeat to Slovenia, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko netting a hat-trick. Kazakhstan’s struggles continued as they were thrashed 4-0 by Austria on Thursday, a game where they conceded 29 shots while controlling only 33% of possession.
Stanislav Cherchesov’s side, having previously won six of their ten Euro 2024 qualifiers, now face the threat of relegation and will need to regain their confidence in Sunday’s home fixture in Pavlodar. Kazakhstan has also been historically unsuccessful against Slovenia, losing to them both in September and during Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Slovenia, meanwhile, started their Nations League journey with a 1-1 draw against Austria before beating Kazakhstan 3-0 in Ljubljana. However, they too struggled in their midweek game, falling 3-0 to a Norway team inspired by Erling Haaland. The defeat left Slovenia winless in five consecutive away matches in the Nations League, a stretch that includes three draws and two losses.
Despite the setback, Slovenia is still in the running for a playoff spot to reach League A, but they must avoid slipping up on Sunday. A fourth-place finish would mean automatic relegation, a fate they are determined to avoid.
Team News:
Kazakhstan:
Kazakhstan coach Stanislav Cherchesov could make changes after their heavy loss to Austria. Abat Aymbetov, despite his lack of recent match action, might return to the attack, while Artur Shushenachev, who was recently recalled, could also be an option. Leading marksman Bakhtiyor Zaynutdinov, who has seen limited playing time at Besiktas this season, is expected to continue on the right wing.
Possible Kazakhstan starting lineup:
Shatskiy; Astanov, Alip, Kasym, Vorogovskiy; Zaynutdinov, Tagybergen, Orazov, Samorodov; Aymbetov, Islamkhan
Slovenia:
Slovenia will once again be captained by Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The most notable absentee for them is Udinese midfielder Sandi Lovric, who is injured. Despite this, Benjamin Sesko, who scored a hat-trick against Kazakhstan last month, will lead the attack, supported by Andraz Sporar.
Possible Slovenia starting lineup:
Oblak; Janza, Drkusic, Bijol, Balkovec; Stojanovic, Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar; Sesko, Sporar
Kazakhstan, lacking form and with their key attackers struggling for game time, do not seem poised to trouble Slovenia’s defense. Slovenia, still aiming for a top-two finish in the group, should be able to capitalize on Kazakhstan’s struggles and secure a narrow victory.
Prediction: Kazakhstan 0-2 Slovenia
