Bosnia-Herzegovina and Romania square off on Tuesday having both failed to win their opening matches in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League.
While the home side were held to a 1-1 draw by Finland, Romania succumbed to defeat versus Montenegro, putting both nations under pressure ahead of the League B Group 3 showdown in Zenica.
Match preview
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Since the resumption of international football in September 2020, it is fair to say that Bosnia-Herzegovina have failed to perform to their potential.
Just three victories have been recorded in almost two years, the most notable coming away in Kazakhstan, and although draws with Italy, Netherlands and France should not be ignored, the Dragons desperately need to find some form in this competition.
A 50-50 contest away in Finland was arguably ideal for Ivaylo Petev's side to motivate themselves, and a 93rd-minute equaliser from Smail Prevljak earned a 1-1 draw in Helsinki.
A return to home territory provides Bosnia-Herzegovina with an opportunity to build some momentum, but it was not so long ago that they were losing to Finland and Ukraine in familiar surroundings.
As far as Romania are concerned, improvements have been made over the past nine months with just three defeats coming in 10 matches in all competitions.
Edward Iordanescu would have taken his side to Montenegro expecting at least a point to be secured against a potential rival for top spot, but his team failed to withstand their hosts in the closing half hour.
Goals from Stefan Mugosa and Marko Vukcevic earned the home side a 2-0 victory, leaving Romania at the bottom of the group ahead of another testing away trip.
On a more positive note, 12 games have now passed without conceding more than twice in a game, although Romania have only scored twice themselves on four occasions.
These teams have not met for 11 years, Romania prevailing by a 3-0 scoreline when they last faced each other in Bucharest.
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Team News
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Despite having scored as a substitute against Finland, Prevljak faces the prospect of starting this game among the Bosnia-Herzegovina replacements unless Edin Dzeko is rested.
Although they only played 57 minutes last time out, Miralem Pjanic and Rade Krunic should retain their spots in midfield and on the flank respectively.
More alterations are likely to be made to the Romania XI, including one enforced change with Iulian Cristea being withdrawn early against Montenegro.
Alexandru Cretu is in line to feature in a defensive-midfield role, while Alexandru Maxim could also be drafted into the centre of the pitch.
Denis Alibec may get the nod over Florin Tanase down the middle of the attack.
Bosnia-Herzegovina possible starting lineup:
Sehic; Gazibegovic, Hadzikadunic, Ahmedhodzic, Kolasinac; Prcic, Hadziahmetovic, Pjanic; Stevanovic, Dzeko, Krunic
Romania possible starting lineup:
Nita; Ratiu, Rus, Chiriches, Bancu; Maxim, Cretu, Marin; Ivan, Alibec, Mihaila
We say: Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-1 Romania
With neither team in the best of form, they are under pressure to find something extra to keep pace with the early pacesetters. Although the home side are probably better equipped to claim a narrow win on Tuesday, we feel that Romania will do just enough to salvage an important share of the spoils.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
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