Iceland and Estonia begin their Nations League campaigns at Laugardalsvöllur. With Bulgaria and Luxembourg completing the group, the hosts will see this as an important opportunity to take three points.

Iceland have gone five matches without a win, but they remain the stronger team on paper. Estonia arrive with several attacking players unavailable and face a difficult opening match in Reykjavík.

Iceland look to end their poor run

Iceland finished third in their World Cup qualifying group. They held France to a 2–2 draw at home and won 2–0 away against Azerbaijan, but have since recorded three defeats and two draws from their last five matches.

The squad still contains plenty of attacking quality. Albert Guðmundsson, Orri Óskarsson, Andri Guðjohnsen and Mikael Ellertsson give Iceland several options in the final third, while Gylfi Sigurðsson remains the country’s leading international goalscorer.

There are some defensive absences. Goalkeeper Elías Rafn Ólafsson is unavailable, while Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Hjörtur Hermannsson and Bjarki Steinn Bjarkason are also missing.

Estonia are short of attacking options

Estonia earned promotion to League C in the previous Nations League campaign, but finished fourth in their World Cup qualifying group with only one victory. Their final competitive match ended in a 4–1 defeat against Norway.

The visitors are also missing Henri Anier, who has scored 23 goals in 104 international appearances. Rauno Sappinen, Marten-Chris Paalberg and Tony Varjund are unavailable as well, leaving Estonia short of experience in attack.

Estonia are likely to defend deep and attempt to keep the match close. Iceland should control possession and spend most of the game in the visitors’ half.

Verdict

Iceland’s recent form is a concern, but this is a good opportunity to return to winning ways. Estonia’s attacking absences will make it difficult for them to create chances, while Iceland have enough quality to score more than once.

Tip

Iceland -1.5