Montenegro vs Slovenia: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 31 March 2026
The friendly match between Montenegro and Slovenia will take place on Tuesday, March 31, at the stadium in Podgorica. Both Balkan sides are using this international break to test their reserves after the conclusion of the main qualification cycles.
Match preview
Montenegro, led by Mirko Vučinić, comes into this game on a high. Last Friday, the "Brave Falcons" secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Andorra. Vučinić is actively implementing a more attacking style of play, focusing on ball control. At home in Podgorica, the Montenegrins always play with extra passion, and this match will be no exception as they look to build on their success in front of their fans.
The main attacking force for the hosts remains Stevan Jovetić, whose experience and class still shape the team's play in the final third. The medical staff has confirmed that all key players who featured in the win over Andorra are fit and ready. Montenegro is likely to try to seize the initiative from the outset, utilizing the flanks and creativity in midfield to break down Slovenia's organized defense.
Slovenia, under new head coach Bostjan Cesar, arrives in Montenegro after a tough away trip to Hungary, where Cesar's debut ended in a 0-1 defeat. The Slovenians are traditionally known for their discipline and solid defense, anchored by Jaka Bijol. Cesar is expected to experiment with his squad, searching for the right attacking formula, with the main hopes pinned on Andraž Šporar.
This match is a chance for Slovenia to bounce back from the loss to Hungary and prove their resilience under the pressure of the Podgorica stands. The Slovenians usually prefer to play on the counter, setting up a compact defense and looking to hit quickly through Šeško, who, however, is unlikely to feature here. Despite a busy schedule, Slovenia are in good physical shape and will surely try to "dry out" the game, denying Montenegro space in midfield.
Interesting facts and head-to-head
- In five of Montenegro's last six matches, more than two goals were scored.
- Montenegro conceded first in seven of their last nine matches.
- Slovenia are winless in their last seven matches.
- In five of Slovenia's last matches, fewer than three goals were scored.
- These teams have only met twice in history—Slovenia won both times.
- The last meeting between these teams was in 2022, when Slovenia claimed a 1-0 win in a friendly.
Probable lineups
- Montenegro: Popović – Veśović, Rubežić, Vujačić, Radunović – Lončar, Vukotić, Simun – Hakšabanović, Jovetić, Mugoša
- Slovenia: Vekić – Ratnik, Bijol, Drkušic, Janža – Stojanović, Gnezda Čerin, Max Elšnik, Šturm – Vipotnik, Šporar
Prediction
We can expect a classic Balkan derby—tense, hard-fought, and full of tactical battles. Montenegro, buoyed by their win over Andorra, will look to break their scoring duck against Slovenia for the first time in history. Slovenia, on the other hand, will aim for a pragmatic approach, correcting their mistakes from the Budapest defeat. Given the friendly status and both teams' defensive strengths, don't expect a goal fest. Most likely, a single goal will decide it, or it will end in a narrow draw. My prediction: Under 2.5 goals.
