Kazakhstan commence their Euro 2024 qualification campaign when they host Slovenia at the Astana Arena on Thursday evening.

It is the first-ever competitive match between the two nations, with the rest of Group H made up by Denmark, Northern Ireland, San Marino and Finland.

Players to watch: Oblak might need to keep an eye on Kazakhstan’s Abat Aymbetov, who has secured four goal contributions (G3, A1) from his last six competitive appearances for the national team. Benjamin Šeško is in even better form however, having netted in each of Slovenia’s last three competitive outings (W1, D2).

Hot stat: Kazakhstan have scored just one second-half goal over their last five competitive outings.

Kazakhstan form (all competitions):

DWWLLL

Slovenia form (all competitions):

DDWDWW

Kazakhstan possible starting lineup:

Shatskiy; Kairov, Maliy, Yerlanov, Marochkin, Dosmagambetov; Zaynutdinov, Tagybergen, Kuat, Astanov; Aymbetov

Slovenia possible starting lineup:

Oblak; Stojanovic, Blazic, Bijol, Sikosek; Zajc, Gnezda Cerin, Stankovic, Verbic; Sporar, Sesko

Kazakhstan 0-1 Slovenia

Slovenia impressed in their two most recent friendlies, picking up a very impressive 1-0 win against Romania, who on paper are probably a better side than Kazakhstan.

As such, we expect Kekci to get their qualification campaign off to the perfect start, but it will not be easy, as their opponents have made significant strides as a team since they last competed for a spot at the Euros.