In Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifying Group J clash, Bosnia-Herzegovina will welcome Liechtenstein to Stadion Bilino polje.
Both teams are currently without a point or a goal in this qualifying campaign, making this match crucial for them.
Bosnia-Herzegovina started the qualifying campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Iceland but have since suffered three consecutive defeats without finding the back of the net.
They faced an expected defeat against Portugal but were disappointed by back-to-back 2-0 losses to Slovakia and Luxembourg.
Faruk Hadzibegic has been replaced by Meho Kodro as the new head coach, hoping to turn their fortunes around. Despite their current position in Group J, Bosnia-Herzegovina has the safety net of the Nations League.
Liechtenstein, ranked 200th, has had a tough time in the qualifying campaign. They conceded 11 goals in their first two matches against Portugal and Iceland, including a 7-0 defeat to the latter.
Although they put up a respectable defensive display against Luxembourg and Slovakia in June, they still suffered 2-0 defeats in both matches. Liechtenstein is currently at the bottom of the standings and has endured a 17-match losing streak since 2021.
In their previous encounters, Bosnia-Herzegovina has dominated Liechtenstein, winning seven consecutive matches against them.
However, Liechtenstein managed a respectable 0-0 draw in their first-ever meeting in 1999. Despite their poor form, they will be hoping to put up a fight against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Bosnia-Herzegovina’s experienced veterans Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic remain key players for the team.
Dzeko has already netted five times this season for Fenerbahce and will be looking to continue his scoring form.
Tarik Muharemovic is the only uncapped player in the squad, and Anel Ahmedhodzic will be unavailable due to injury.
Liechtenstein has called up players from their home nation, Switzerland, and Austria. Striker Dennis Salanovic, currently a free agent, will be expected to lead the attack in the absence of skipper Nicolas Hasler.
However, they will miss the services of Noah Frick, son of their all-time top goalscorer Mario Frick.
Predicted Lineups:
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Sehic; Kolasinac, Hadzikadunic, Milicevic; Dedic, Krunic, Pjanic, Prcic, Gazibegovic; Dzeko,
Prevljak Liechtenstein: Buchel; Marxer, Traber, Beck; S. Wolfinger, Sele, Luchinger, F. Wolfinger, Goppel; Saglam, Salanovic
Prediction:
Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-0 Liechtenstein Despite their recent struggles, Bosnia-Herzegovina is expected to bounce back with a comfortable victory against Liechtenstein. With Edin Dzeko in fine form and the potential boost from a new manager, Bosnia-Herzegovina should secure a convincing win.