Slovenia play host to Gibraltar on Friday evening looking to build some momentum after a poor start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

While the visitors have suffered three heavy defeats in quick succession, they will feel that they are capable of earning a result in Koper.

Match preview

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Having started their bid to qualify for the 2022 World Cup with victory over Croatia, the future looked bright for this Slovenia squad.

However, back-to-back defeats in Russia and Cyprus have left Matjaz Kek's team with plenty of work to do just to achieve a playoff spot.

Despite having a number of months until their next competitive meeting with Slovakia, Kek is eager to get another win on the board.

Slovenia failed to emerge victorious for a third game in a row on Tuesday as they drew 1-1 in North Macedonia, a result earned through Domen Crnigoj's third goal for his country.

Kek will hope that the last-minute strike is the first step back in the right direction after previously putting together a nine-match unbeaten streak.

While Gibraltar never had any genuine hope of making the next World Cup, Julio Cesar Ribas will be frustrated with 14 goals being conceded in three matches.

Although they initially made an impression against Norway, 4-1 and 7-0 defeats to Montenegro and the Netherlands respectively have handed a wake-up call to Team 54.

Nevertheless, Ribas will be hopeful of ending the season on a high note, particularly with a trip to Andorra to follow Friday's fixture.

Team News

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Gibraltar forward Reece Styche, who has recently linked up with English non-league outfit Hednesford Town, could be handed a recall after remaining as an unused substitute against the Netherlands.

Ethan Britto, Mohamed Badr Hassan and Alain Pons are also in line to feature due to a number of players from the last fixture not featuring in the squad.

Kek will almost certainly make several alterations to his Slovenia XI, with this game concluding their schedule for the season.

Second-choice Vid Belec should replace Jan Oblak between the sticks, while Mario Jurcevic will be named at left-back.

Crnigoj should return on the right-hand side of midfield with Jaka Bijol an alternative to the experienced Jasmin Kurtic in centre midfield.

Slovenia possible starting lineup:
Belec; Stojanovic, Stankovic, Mevlja, Jurcevic; Crnigoj, Stulac, Bijol, Lovric; Bohar, Mlakar

Gibraltar possible starting lineup:
Coleing; Sergeant, Chipolina, Wiseman, Mouelhi, Britto; Badr, Annesley, Ronan, Pons; Styche

We say: Slovenia 2-0 Gibraltar

Despite the level of opposition in front of them, do not expect a goalfest from Slovenia. Nevertheless, the home side should have few issues in dealing with a side who also struggle in the final third.

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