Bosnia & Herzegovina and Poland couldn’t be separated when they met in Warsaw, but a winner in this clash knows they will steal a huge march in the top-two race in UEFA Nations League (UNL) Group B4.
Match News and Current Form
In an emotional farewell to Bosnia’s record appearance maker and goalscorer, Edin Džeko, Bosnia failed to take advantage of a Swedish squad plagued by illness and injury as they were held to a 1-1 draw. They do at least remain unbeaten in the UNL this term (W1, D2), and they should be incentivised here by knowing a win will open up a four-point cushion inside the top two, almost guaranteeing them a top-two finish. A mere one defeat from their last eight home games (W4, D3) should have Bosnia confident of doing just that, although their last three such matches ending level inside 90 minutes should be enough to exercise caution.
After a slow start to their UNL campaign, Poland responded in emphatic fashion to thump Romania 6-0 on Friday night as they manoeuvred themselves back into the top-two conversation. Finishing in the top two will be the least that Poland expect after their relegation from the top tier in the last cycle, but with that Romania victory the only one they managed across their last six outings (D2, L3), it’s safe to say their form isn’t that of a League A side. That rings particularly true on the road too, with Poland only defeating League D nations Malta and Lithuania across their last eight away games (D1, L5).
Head-to-Head History
Bosnia have still never defeated Poland from six attempts (D2, L4) following September’s 0-0 draw.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Bosnia’s last six regular time wins or losses were by a 2+ goal margin.
Nine of Bosnia’s 13 League B matches produced under 2.5 goals.
Six of Poland’s last eight matches featured over 2.5 goals.
Poland scored in six of their last seven losses.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Kerim Alajbegović scored Bosnia’s equaliser against Sweden, and despite it coming close to full-time, it was the ninth of his last 11 goalscoring appearances for club or country where he scored his team’s first goal. Piotr Zieliński has been an integral part of Poland’s recent success, scoring in each of the country’s last three victories.
Neither team reported any injuries after their Friday night matches.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Poland’s only recent away success coming against hugely inferior opposition hints that a bet on Bosnia to win in the Draw No Bet market could be worth considering.
Author: Aaron Murphy
