Slovakia vs Romania Predictions

• A draw likely sends both sides through to the next round
• Romania were unbeaten in qualifying, drawing four of their 10 games
• Man had three shots on target against Belgium and made two assists in their opener

Pair on the verge of progression

Slovakia and Romania know that a point will likely take them through to the next round, which sets up an interesting clash in Frankfurt. The pair were expected to be fighting it out for third place in Group E, but they each recorded a surprise win in their opening game of the tournament.

Romania’s 3-0 win over Ukraine means that a side many had pegged as dark horses now props up Group E. Regardless of how the other clash in this group finishes, a draw leaves these two sides third and second respectively, which would be huge for both nations.

On top of that, they’d be on four points, which has always been a good enough total to be one of the four best-performing third-placed sides, so should this finish even then both teams will extend their stay in Germany.

How will the pair approach this one?

The big test for a game like this is how the teams approach it. As soon as the pair kick-off, they immediately having something to lose. If they push forward, it could blow a golden opportunity to make the knockout round.

Slovakia’s recent experience of attempting to settle for a point against Ukraine could put them off being too conservative early on. This is a side who like to get on the ball and move it around, so it doesn’t really suit them to sit back.

However, Romania topped their qualifying group thanks to drawing four of their 10 games in an unbeaten campaign. They know how to hold on to a result. The longer this game stays level, the greater the fear of losing becomes. Given that, the draw looks worth backing for a game where a point is a massive reward for both.

Key Man for Romania

While the draw stands out, early goals have been a feature for both Slovakia and Romania in this group. The pair may look to get forward early in the game, making a 1-1 draw favoured over the very short price on a goalless draw.

It’s worth remembering that Romania have shown impressive attacking intent since scoring their opener against Ukraine. Dennis Man has been a standout for them, setting up two goals against Ukraine. He tried to get a goal of his own against Belgium, having three shots on target against the Red Devils.

Man has seven international goals for Romania and the 25-year-old has been getting into good positions. He looks like the best goalscorer option in this one, priced at 4/1 given how a low-scoring contest is favoured.