Prediction: Iceland vs Luxembourg

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Facing what looks set to be a must-win showdown on Friday night, Luxembourg will travel to Reykjavik when they meet Iceland.

Iceland

Starting with the hosts, while Iceland might have signed off September’s international break with a much-needed 1-0 victory against Bosnia & Herzegovina, it has largely been another nightmare qualifying campaign for Age Hareide’s men. Watching their ambitions of claiming a famous top-two finish in Group J go up in smoke, the Blues have continued to show a string of issues over recent times. Losing three of their previous four qualifying appearances, Iceland should also be worried by their nightmare previous meeting against Friday’s guests. Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny last month as they slumped to an infamous 3-1 drumming on foreign soil, Hareide’s men have also shown a string of issues in Reykjavik. In fact, Iceland have secured just a single victory from any of their last nine showdowns in front of their own supporters – a run that stems all the way back to November 2021.

Team News

Limping off with a muscle injury against Manchester United last month, Iceland will be without Burnley midfielder Johann Berg Gudmundsson this month. Despite struggling to make any kind of impact since arriving at Championship outfit Cardiff on a loan deal from Arsenal this summer, 28-year-old Runar Alex Runarsson should start between the sticks on Friday night.

Coming off the bench and bagging a last-gasp 1-0 against Bosnia & Herzegovina on September 11th, former Augsburg striker Alfred Finnbogason should be handed a full recall and spearhead Iceland’s attack this weekend.

Luxembourg

As for the visitors, while Luxembourg might have been last seen signing off September’s international break with an infamous 9-0 drumming at the hands of former European champions Portugal, the mood in Luc Holtz’s side should remain at a continued high. Despite still facing a real uphill battle in their bid to book a maiden spot on the major tournament stage, the Red Lions have continued to gain a string of public praise. Marking their return to Group J duties this weekend remarkably sat just three points adrift of breaking into the top-two, Luxembourg have still won three of their previous four qualifying appearances. Knowing that they arrive in Iceland facing a must-win showdown on Friday night, Holtz’s side will be excited by their reverse meeting. Landing that stellar 3-1 victory last month, the Reds will be desperate to produce a similar display here.

Team News

While Yvandro Borges Sanches might have made just a pair of appearances for Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach this season, the 19-year-old will once again play a leading role on Friday night. Sanches will likely be joined in attack by fellow German-based forward Danel Sinani this weekend.

Leading the chase at the top of the Jupiler Pro League with Royale Union, 33-year-old goalkeeper Anthony Moris looks set to earn his 60th international cap in Reykjavik.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse Group J showdown last month, Luxembourg picked up a stellar 3-1 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, Luxembourg have lost just one of their four historic meetings against Friday’s hosts.
• Iceland have managed to muster just a single win from any of their previous nine appearances on home soil – a run that stems all the way back to November 2021.
• Despite suffering that infamous 9-0 drumming against Portugal last month, Luxembourg are unbeaten in each of their other five contests on foreign soil.
• The Red Lions have seen their previous five qualifying showdowns produce 23 goals.

Conclusion

Eventually suffering that woeful 9-0 drumming at the hands of Portugal last month, Luxembourg will be more than aware that they face a must-win showdown on Friday night. Still facing a major uphill battle in their bid to claim a famous top-two finish in Group J, the Red Lions will be calling on a repeat performance from their reverse meeting on September 8th. Landing that stellar 3-1 victory on home soil, neutrals could be treated to a defining showdown here. It is worth highlighting, with Luxembourg seeing their last six qualifying showdowns produce 23 goals, we are expecting what could be another lively affair this weekend.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster