Preview: Algeria – Slovenia

(GSM) – Playoffs got both nations to South Africa, but such things will matter not on Sunday afternoon when Algeria and Slovenia collide in a Group C showdown in Polokwane.

Slovenia, conquerors of Russia, and Algeria, who defeated Egypt, both needed extra matches to secure their berths in the finals, but both are hungry for three points after the group’s opening fixture between England and USA ended in a draw.

Earlier in the week, Algeria manager Rabah Saadane announced that influential midfielder Yazid Mansouri would be held out due to form issues. It remains to be seen if the Lorient man will be in Saadane’s starting XI come kickoff time at 13:30 at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

This will likely leave the captaincy to defender Antar Yahia, whose goal against Egypt secured Algeria’s berth in the finals. Nadir Belhadj and Faouzi Chaouchi are banned and will not take part in the match.

Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek will have a full-strength arsenal of 23 players at his disposal when the match takes place on Sunday, though it is unclear as of yet who will partner with Milivoje Novakovic in attack.

Algeria looked less than impressive in the buildup to the World Cup with a heavy defeat to Ireland, but they righted the ship a bit with a 1-0 win over United Arab Emirates.

Slovenia, meanwhile, won their only pre-Cup friendly over New Zealand, 3-1, on 4 June.