Alex MacQuoid
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Moldova host Slovakia in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday 6 October 2026, and the predicted lineups for this one are shaped as much by who is missing as by who is in form. Slovakia go into the game without two midfield options, which raises a genuine selection question for Vladimír Weiss even before kick-off is discussed. Moldova, by contrast, have a settled look about them heading into the match.
Moldova Predicted XI
Moldova’s expected XI is projected in a 5-4-1, the shape preferred by coach Lilian Popescu based on the data available. The side looks largely settled, with 9 of the projected XI starting their last match, suggesting Popescu has a clear idea of his first-choice group right now. Dumitru Celeadnic has started all three matches used for this projection and did so again most recently, while Vladyslav Baboglo has matched that record at the back, making both near-automatic picks on current evidence. Further forward there is more rotation, but the spine of the side appears settled.
Moldova predicted XI: Dumitru Celeadnic; Vladyslav Baboglo, M. Gherasimencov, Iurie Iovu, Ioan-Calin Revenco, Catalin Cucos; Oleg Reabciuk, Vladimir Fratea, Vadim Rață, Victor Stina; Petru popescu
| Line | # | Player | Starts in last 3 | Last 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | 12 | Dumitru Celeadnic | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| D | 4 | Vladyslav Baboglo | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| D | 6 | M. Gherasimencov | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| D | 18 | Iurie Iovu | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| D | 8 | Ioan-Calin Revenco | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| D | 5 | Catalin Cucos | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| M | 2 | Oleg Reabciuk | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| M | 14 | Vladimir Fratea | 2/3 | 2/3 |
| M | 22 | Vadim Rață | 2/3 | 2/3 |
| M | 11 | Victor Stina | 2/3 | 2/3 |
| F | 15 | Petru popescu | 3/3 | 3/3 |
Slovakia Predicted XI
Slovakia’s predicted line-up follows a 4-2-3-1, which lines up with the preference of coach Vladimír Weiss. Despite two midfield absences, the projection still looks largely settled, with 7 of the projected XI starting their last match across the sample used here. Milan Škriniar has started every one of the last three matches considered and did so again most recently, and Tomas Suslov has an identical record in midfield, making both reliable picks in an otherwise more rotated group further forward. The rest of the XI shows more churn, reflecting squad depth being tested in attacking areas.
Slovakia predicted XI: Dominik Greif; Milan Škriniar, Martin Valjent, Dávid Hancko, Adam Obert; Tomas Suslov, Stanislav Lobotka, Ondrej Duda, Tomas Rigo, Peter·Pokorny; Leo Sauer
| Line | # | Player | Starts in last 3 | Last 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | 23 | Dominik Greif | 2/3 | 2/3 |
| D | 14 | Milan Škriniar | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| D | 4 | Martin Valjent | 2/3 | 2/3 |
| D | 16 | Dávid Hancko | 2/3 | 2/3 |
| D | 16 | Adam Obert | 2/3 | 2/3 |
| M | 7 | Tomas Suslov | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| M | 22 | Stanislav Lobotka | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| M | 8 | Ondrej Duda | 2/3 | 2/3 |
| M | 19 | Tomas Rigo | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| M | 6 | Peter·Pokorny | 0/3 | 0/3 |
| F | 7 | Leo Sauer | 2/3 | 2/3 |
Team News: Who Is Out
On the home side, no absentees are recorded in the data, leaving Popescu with his full group of options to choose from for this one. With everyone available, Nicky Clescenco, who has started twice across the matches used here, looks the most obvious bench option ready to step into the XI if a change is needed.
For Slovakia, László Bénes and Matúš Bero are out injured, a blow that thins Weiss’s central midfield options specifically. Among the alternatives, David Strelec has started twice in the sample and stands out as the likeliest replacement if cover is required in that part of the pitch.
| Player | Pos | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| László Bénes | M | injured | Sprained ankle |
| Matúš Bero | M | injured | Fatigue fracture |
Where These Predictions Come From
Each expected XI here is built from the last three line-ups used by that team, with more recent matches weighted more heavily than older ones so that current form carries greater influence. Any player confirmed injured or suspended has been removed from contention before the projection is built. This is a projection rather than an announcement, and it will be updated once the official team news for Moldova vs Slovakia is confirmed closer to kick-off.
Read also: Moldova vs Slovakia Prediction: 06.10.2026 UEFA Nations League
FAQ
Who is predicted to start in goal for Moldova vs Slovakia?
Dumitru Celeadnic is projected in goal for Moldova, while Dominik Greif is the expected choice for Slovakia based on recent starts.
What formation are Moldova and Slovakia expected to use?
Moldova are projected in a 5-4-1 under Lilian Popescu, while Slovakia are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 under Vladimír Weiss.
Who is unavailable for Moldova vs Slovakia?
No absentees are recorded for Moldova in the data, while Slovakia are without László Bénes and Matúš Bero, both out injured.
When does Moldova vs Slovakia kick off?
The UEFA Nations League match kicks off on Tuesday 6 October 2026.