Moravcik says home advantage key

Former Slovakia and Celtic favourite Lubomir Moravcik has tipped Scotland as favourites when the two sides meet at Hampden this week.

Gordon Strachan’s men face two must-win matches as they seek to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Victories against Slovakia and Slovenia would secure a second-placed finish in World Cup qualifying Group F, with the two sides both currently ahead of Scotland in the table.

A point at Hampden on Thursday would almost certainly be enough to guarantee Slovakia second place ahead of their game against Malta next week. However, Moravcik – who played for Celtic for four years between 1998 and 2002 – thinks home advantage will play a big part on Thursday, although conceded his country is still most likely to progress.

“Slovakia are in the best position because Slovenia go to England and that is very hard for them,” he said. “But Scotland also must go to Slovenia and win.

“It’s still hard, but the most important game is Thursday against Slovakia.

“I didn’t see Scotland play in their last two games, but Scotland is the slight favourite in this game because they play at home.”

Slovakia impressed at Wembley against England last time out, taking an early lead through Stanislav Lobotka before going on to lose 2-1 to offer Scotland hope of catching them.

However, that positive approach is something Moravcik believes Jan Kozak’s side have to maintain if they are to get a result at Hampden.

He said: “For me, the most likely result will be the draw.

“What I said about the fans is an advantage for Scotland in this game, but Slovakia won’t come to only defend.

“They played well against England, who are a very strong team, and in the first 20 minutes they kept the ball and scored a goal and I think that is the way to play against Scotland.”

Scotland’s preparations have been dealt a significant blow by the absence of Scott Brown, who pulled out of the squad after injuring his hamstring against Anderlecht in the Champions League.

Moravcik, who played 38 times for Slovakia, admits the loss of Brown and Celtic team-mate Stuart Armstrong could be a problem for Strachan.

“Brown is out and Armstrong is out which I think is a problem for the Scottish team, but (Darren) Fletcher is back which is good news,” he said.

“I think Armstrong will be missed for the Scottish offensive part of the game.

“Scott will be missed. He is the spirit of the team and the leader of the group.”

Picture: SNS. Lubomir Moravcik sees the Scots as slight favourites.