Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Slovakiavs.Estonia

sportsmole.co.uk, 17 November 2024, 08:42
With their UEFA Nations League fate already decided, Slovakia and Estonia will wrap up their League C Group 1 commitments on Tuesday evening.

Despite Saturday's defeat in Sweden, Slovakia have confirmed a promotion playoff for March, while Estonia sealed survival by avoiding defeat in Azerbaijan.

Match preview

Although their unbeaten record in this season's Nations League was brought to an end on Saturday night, Slovakia could still secure a spot in League B next time around.

Sweden's much-admired striker Viktor Gyokeres put the hosts ahead after just three minutes in Solna, before David Hancko equalised; however, another top-notch forward, Alexander Isak, then scored what turned out to be the winner shortly after half time.

The Falcons' first defeat was effectively sealed when captain Milan Skriniar was sent off for a second bookable offence with time running out, but a playoff place is already theirs.

Following two wins over Azerbaijan, victory against Estonia and last month's home draw with Sweden, Francesco Calzona's side have 10 points on the board, which is sufficient to guarantee a top-two finish.

Slovakia - who came so close to reaching the last eight at Euro 2024 - have proved one of the stronger sides in Europe's third tier, so they may fancy their chance of gaining promotion in March, when a playoff against League B opponents will take place.

When both teams kicked off their campaign back in September, Slovakia and Estonia played out an uneven contest in Tallinn, which they away side totally dominated in terms of possession and shot count but only ended up winning 1-0.

Since then, the Estonians have lost twice to Sweden and taken four points from rock-bottom Azerbaijan, who they visited on Saturday.

Last month, Jurgen Henn's men won 3-1 at home to their Azeri rivals, but they had to settle for a goalless draw at the weekend, when they once more let their opponents have most of the ball.

As well as confirming their League C status, a rare clean sheet was something to celebrate for the Blueshirts, who had conceded an average of two goals per game before heading east to Qabala.

Having topped their League D table in the last Nations League, Estonia have found life far tougher at a higher level; but whatever happens in Trnava, their objective has already been achieved.

Slovakia Nations League form:

W

W

D

W

L

Slovakia form (all competitions):

L

W

W

D

W

L

Estonia Nations League form:

L

L

W

L

D

Estonia form (all competitions):

W

L

L

W

L

D

Team News

Slovakia must make at least one change to their back four on Tuesday, as inspirational skipper Milan Skriniar was sent off in Sweden and must now serve a suspension.

Cagliari defender Adam Obert is his likeliest replacement, and Francesco Calzona may be tempted to introduce fresh legs elsewhere, given that the Falcons are already confirmed in second place.

Midfield fulcrum Stanislav Lobotka has just returned from a thigh problem and could even be rested, while Euro 2024 star Ivan Schranz is also back from injury and will now hope to make the starting XI after appearing as a substitute at the weekend.

Jurgen Henn might also make changes after the long trip to and from Azerbaijan, so Alex Matthias Tamm could replace Estonia's leading active scorer Henri Anier up front - experienced forwards Erik Sorga and Rauno Sappinen were not called up.

Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers midfielder Markus Poom faces competition from Martin Vetkal to start in the visitors' engine room, while Rocco Robert Shein should provide a link between midfield and attack.

Slovakia possible starting lineup:

Greif; Gyomber, Satka, Obert, Hancko; Duda, Lobotka, Benes; Suslov, Strelec, Schranz

Estonia possible starting lineup:

Hein; Peetson, J. Tamm, Mets, Schjonning-Larsen; Poom, Palumets; Yakovlev, Shein, Sinyavskiy; A. Tamm

We say: Slovakia 2-0 Estonia

Particularly with their home fans behind them, Slovakia will be a class above Estonia; but, with their playoff berth booked, they may step off the gas.

Previews by email
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's Transfer Talk Update: Victor Osimhen, Harry Amass, Illia Zabarnyi
With all eyes fixed on the January transfer market, clubs around the UK and Europe are already lining up potential mid-season moves.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunday's Nations League predictions including England vs. Republic of Ireland
Latvia vs. Armenia (Sunday, 2.00pm) Both looking to bounce back following defeats earlier in the week, Latvia and Armenia will lock horns in League C Group 4 of the UEFA Nations League at Stadions Skonto on Sunday afternoon. The Wolves were unsuccessful on the road at North Macedonia on Thursday night, whilst Havakakan suffered a shock defeat at home to the Faroe Islands.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ghanavs.Niger
Reeling from their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying heartbreak, a disconsolate Ghana side draw the curtains in Group F when they play host to Niger on Monday. While the home side's fate has already been sealed, the Mena journey to the Accra Sports Stadium in need of all three points as well as favourable results in the other group fixture as they make one last push for a place in Morocco.
17 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United
Ruud van Nistelrooy is privately 'gutted' to have left Manchester United following Ruben Amorim's arrival, according to a close friend.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
CARvs.Gabon
The Central African Republic will close out their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a meeting against Gabon at the Orlando Stadium on Monday. While CAR head into their final qualifier with nothing on the line, Gabon will need to be at their best as they currently need one more point to guarantee themselves second place in Group B.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Moroccovs.Lesotho
Morocco will set out to maintain their 100% record in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they welcome Lesotho to the Honneur Stadium on Monday in the final round of matches. The home side claimed a narrow 1-0 triumph in their only previous meeting against the visitors back in September and are huge favourites to complete a double in Oujda.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sweden2 - 1Slovakia
Manchester United have been dealt another new injury blow ahead of Ruben Amorim's first game in charge, as Victor Lindelof was forced off in Sweden's UEFA Nations League clash with Slovakia.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man City 'advancing' in Erling Haaland contract talks despite £150m hurdle
Manchester City are reportedly growing increasingly optimistic about their chances of agreeing a bumper new contract with Erling Haaland, but there is still one significant hurdle to overcome.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sudanvs.Angola
Sudan and Angola bring their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign to an end when they lock horns at the Martyrs of February Stadium on Monday.
16 November 2024
talksport.com
Lee Carsley's England reign was brief but four stars will be forever grateful
Lee Carsley will take charge of his final match as England interim manager on Sunday.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Netherlands4 - 0Hungary
Netherlands booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League courtesy of a 4-0 victory over Hungary in Saturday night's contest in Group 3 of League A.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Germany7 - 0Bosnia H'vina
Germany wrapped up a first-placed finish in League A Group 3 of the UEFA Nations League in style with a 7-0 pummelling of Bosnia-Herzegovina at the Europa-Park Stadion in Freiburg.
16 November 2024
talksport.com
Hungary assistant gives update after medical emergency during game
Hungary assistant coach Adam Szalai insists he's 'doing well' after being involved in a medical emergency mid-game.
16 November 2024
talksport.com
Harry Kane addresses England uncertainty with Thomas Tuchel facing decision
Harry Kane has addressed uncertainty over his future as England captain.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United confirm Ruben Amorim's backroom staff including arrival of new head coach's "Jose Mourinho"
Manchester United have confirmed the arrivals of five coaches, with new head coach Ruben Amorim bringing five of his staff from Sporting Lisbon with him to Old Trafford.
16 November 2024
talksport.com
Eagle-eyed Man United fans have theory about Ruben Amorim's first signing
Eagle-eyed Manchester United fans have a theory about Ruben Amorim's first signing as manager.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United defender Victor Lindelof addresses future at Old Trafford ahead of Ruben Amorim reunion
Victor Lindelof has said that he is determined to work his way back into the Manchester United starting side, with the Sweden international preparing to reunite with Ruben Amorim.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United 'could use struggling attacker' as a 'makeweight' in Victor Osimhen move
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in a deal which could see struggling Red Devils striker Joshua Zirkzee move in the opposite direction.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Malawivs.Burkina Faso
Malawi's Africa Cup of Nations campaign will come to an end on Monday afternoon when they face Burkina Faso in their final qualification match at Bingu National Stadium.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Kosovovs.Lithuania
Kosovo return to UEFA Nations League action on Monday evening at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, entertaining Lithuania in the final matchday of Group C2.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Luxembourgvs.N. Ireland
Northern Ireland are on the verge of automatic promotion from their UEFA Nations League C group and will hope to clinch first spot on Monday when they travel to Stade de Luxembourg, where they will face Luxembourg in their final Nations League group game.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United transfer news: Viktor Gyokeres speaks out on Red Devils interest after Ruben Amorim move
Sporting Lisbon centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres said "we'll see" when asked whether he could make the move to Manchester United next year.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liechtensteinvs.San Marino
In their fourth and final UEFA Nations League D match of 2024-25, Liechtenstein will hope to leapfrog San Marino and claim a promotion playoff spot when they host them at Rheinpark Stadion on Monday.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tunisiavs.Gambia
Tunisia will take on Gambia in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi on Monday.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Comorosvs.Madagascar
Comoros will take on Madagascar in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game at Grand Stade Al-Hoceima on Monday.
16 November 2024
talksport.com
Arsenal fans rage at historic video of Gary Neville jokingly thanking referee
Arsenal fans have been left fuming after a historic video resurfaced of Gary Neville thanking a referee.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Libyavs.Benin
Libya host Benin at 11 June Stadium on Monday in their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Group D, desperate for maximum points to boost hopes of participation at next year's finals.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Enzo Maresca "huge fan" of Bournemouth defender as Chelsea 'weigh up' potential offer
Chelsea have reportedly added Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi to their list of potential defensive targets ahead of the January transfer window.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Nigeriavs.Rwanda
Having sealed their Africa Cup of Nations involvement, Nigeria host Rwanda in Monday's final qualifying game at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, aiming to end their campaign positively.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Englandvs.Rep. Ireland
England interim head coach Lee Carsley has confirmed that Ezri Konsa has withdrawn from the squad ahead of Sunday's UEFA Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland due to injury.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United to battle shock contender for frustrated Bayern Munich midfielder?
Manchester United could be set to do battle with an unexpected competitor in their pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, according to a report.
16 November 2024
talksport.com
Troy Deeney: Kylian Mbappe's bad habit infuriates me, Madrid made a big mistake
Kylian Mbappe has so far flattered to deceive at Real Madrid and his ego could threaten to derail his career in Spain.
16 November 2024
talksport.com
Forest owner criticised by iconic boss who was 'sacked after 19 games'
Martin O'Neill says that Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is not his 'favourite person' after being sacked after just 19 games at the club.
16 November 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Spurs0 - 3Arsenal
Arsenal Women convincingly earned the North London derby bragging rights over Tottenham Hotspur Women with a 3-0 victory over their Women's Super League rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
16 November 2024
talksport.com
Madueke gives real reason for 'fine-worthy' antics during Chelsea v Arsenal game
Noni Madueke has rubbished speculation that he disrespected Chelsea by storming down the tunnel - insisting he was just going to the toilet.
16 November 2024
talksport.com
Mohamed Salah reveals game-changing advice he received from ex-Arsenal manager
Mohamed Salah has revealed the game-changing advice he received from Arsene Wenger.
Show more

Top News

18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk For the first time in the CONCACAF Nations League, Canada and Mexico will face each other, with a spot in the final at stake on Thursday at SoFi Stadium. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk In the first semi-final of the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League, the reigning three-time champions, the USA, host Panama on Thursday at SoFi Stadium in California. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk On Thursday Jordan will look to climb into a top two position when they host Palestine at Amman International Stadium on matchday seven of the World Cup 2026 qualification cycle for both teams. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to step up their pursuit of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen over the international break. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly included Victor Osimhen on a four-man striker shortlist for the summer transfer window. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Ipswich Town have reportedly been impressed by Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland but could face competition from Sunderland for his signature. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The first international break of the year will see Liberia take on Tunisia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex this Wednesday in the fifth round of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The first clash in this international break's double-header sees the Central African Republic face Madagascar at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in neutral Morocco on Wednesday in the fifth round of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifying series. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are reportedly prepared to consider selling Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz as it emerges they have seemingly made contact with Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak. 17 March 2025 talksport.com A Bulgarian first division team held a minute's silence for a former player... only to later discover he's still alive. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Lionel Messi has been omitted from Argentina's squad list for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. 17 March 2025 talksport.com After some backlash to his claims that he's the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo has some support in the opposition dugout. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Reigning European champions Barcelona Women will head to Germany for Wednesday's Women's Champions League clash against Wolfsburg Women. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Just a few days after they face off in the Women's League Cup final, Manchester City Women will lock horns with Chelsea Women in the first leg of the Women's Champions League quarter-finals. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has left the club, the Premier League side have announced. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany is a "big fan" of Oscar Bobb and is delighted to see the youngster edging closer to a first-team return after being "robbed of a year" due to injury. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool should prioritise Virgil van Dijk's contract renewal over Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, former Reds striker Emile Heskey has told Sports Mole. 17 March 2025 talksport.com The first major question surrounding Thomas Tuchel as England manager has been answered. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is allegedly attracting interest from another Premier League club. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is reportedly targeting a long-awaited return from a hamstring injury in time for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified another two potential replacements for head coach Ange Postecoglou. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Robbie Fowler is hopeful Trent Alexander-Arnold will remain at Liverpool this summer. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool allegedly have plans to entertain offers for at least one of their regular attacking players during the summer transfer window. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany believes that the performance of Omar Marmoush against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend has sent a "slight warning" to his out-of-form teammate Phil Foden. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Liverpool should be pursuing Newcastle's Alexander Isak, regardless of Mohamed Salah's future at Anfield. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The elusive quadruple that Liverpool fans are still pining for remains out of sight for now, but come the sunshine of May, Arne Slot and his crop will surely be proudly parading their Premier League trophy. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Sergio Ramos' cheeky post on social media proved he is well aware of his reputation for being a red card magnet. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Simon Jordan dubbed Martin Keown a 'clown' during a furious clash over Liverpool and Arsenal's trophy hopes live on talkSPORT. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are likely to at least resolve the contract situations of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk in the coming months, Reds expert David Lynch has claimed. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have reportedly already decided whether they intend to sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho on a permanent basis.