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Slovenia will be looking to keep their hopes of winning Group B1 alive when they welcome Switzerland to Ljudski vrt in Maribor for Friday's UEFA Nations League encounter.
The visitors have been outstanding in the competition so far, collecting maximum points from their opening four matches to move five points clear at the top of the section, while the hosts occupy second place with seven points.
With Switzerland entering as narrow favourites, it's a great match to unlock the William Hill welcome offer, as new players who sign up receive £30 in free bets to use across the weekend's international fixtures.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Slovenia vs. Switzerland key stats
- Switzerland have won all four of their Group B1 matches, scoring 11 goals and conceding just once.
- Switzerland beat Slovenia 2-1 in the reverse fixture on October 3.
- Switzerland have won eight of the previous 12 meetings between the two nations.
- Slovenia have won just one of their last five competitive home games (D3, L1).
Slovenia vs. Switzerland preview: Can the visitors maintain their perfect record?
Slovenia vs Switzerland — Tale of the Tape
| Slovenia | vs | Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd | Position | 1st |
| 7 | Points | 12 |
| 5 | Goals For | 11 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 1 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 3 |
| 2nd (H) | Home / Away Rank | 1st (A) |
Slovenia head into Friday's encounter knowing that a victory would significantly improve their chances of challenging Switzerland for first place in Group B1.
The hosts have made a respectable start to their Nations League campaign, collecting seven points from four matches and remaining firmly in contention for promotion.
Their opening fixture ended in a goalless draw against Scotland, before they responded with a 2-0 victory over North Macedonia to record their first win of the competition.
A 2-1 defeat away to Switzerland followed, but Slovenia recovered well in their most recent outing, coming from behind to beat Scotland 2-1 on October 6.
That result was particularly important because it allowed them to move three points clear of Scotland, who occupy third place, although they still have work to do if they are to catch the group leaders.
Slovenia have shown that they can be difficult to break down, conceding only three goals in their first four group matches, but their attacking output will need to improve if they are to trouble a Switzerland side that have been exceptionally consistent.
The hosts also have a difficult recent record against Friday's opponents, having won only two of their previous 12 meetings with Switzerland across all competitions.
Their most recent victory in this fixture came in October 2014, and they will need a much stronger performance than the one that saw them lose 2-1 in the reverse meeting earlier this month.
Slovenia will also have to cope without several important players, with David Zec and Erik Janza suspended after accumulating yellow cards.
Benjamin Sesko is another significant absence, with the Manchester United forward continuing his recovery from a shin injury and not expected to return until early 2027.
Zan Vipotnik started through the middle in the victory over Scotland and is expected to lead the line again, placing greater responsibility on the Swansea City striker to provide an attacking threat in Sesko's absence.
Switzerland, meanwhile, travel to Maribor with an opportunity to take another major step towards securing promotion to League A.
Murat Yakin's side have been the standout team in Group B1, winning each of their four matches and scoring 11 goals while conceding just once.
Their campaign began with a convincing 3-0 victory away to North Macedonia, before they recorded another 3-0 win against Scotland to establish themselves as early favourites for top spot.
Switzerland then continued their impressive run with a 2-1 home victory over Slovenia, before completing a 3-0 success against North Macedonia in their most recent group fixture.
Those results leave them five points clear of Slovenia, meaning they can move closer to confirming first place with another victory on Friday.
The Swiss have also been solid away from home, winning both of their opening two road fixtures without conceding a goal.
Their defensive organisation has been a major strength, with only one goal conceded across their four Nations League matches, and that record will give them confidence heading into a fixture against a Slovenia side missing their leading attacking option.
Switzerland have also enjoyed the better of this contest historically, winning eight of their 12 previous meetings with Slovenia, although the hosts will take encouragement from their home advantage and recent victory over Scotland.
However, the visitors will be without Granit Xhaka after the midfielder withdrew from the squad with a calf injury, ruling him out of both remaining Nations League group fixtures.
Slovenia vs. Switzerland form guide & betting tips
| Slovenia | vs | Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
LDWLW |
Form | LWWWW |
| 6 | Goals For | 12 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 4 |
WLW |
UEFA Nations League | WWW |
Whispers predicts: Slovenia 0-1 Switzerland
Switzerland have been considerably more convincing than Slovenia in the Nations League, winning all four of their group matches while conceding just once. Their away record and superior attacking options make Switzerland to win at 1.72 (18/25) an appealing selection.
However, Slovenia have conceded only three goals in four group fixtures, so this may not be a particularly high-scoring contest. Switzerland's defensive strength makes under 2.5 goals at 1.80 (4/5) a sensible option, while both teams to score – No at 1.82 (41/50) also stands out.
> Switzerland win at 1.72 (18/25) | Likelihood: High
> Under 2.5 goals at 1.80 (4/5) | Likelihood: Medium
> Both teams to score – No at 1.82 (41/50) | Likelihood: Medium
> Correct score: Slovenia 0-1 Switzerland at 6.40 (27/5) | Likelihood: High