Slovenia is tied for last with Cyprus in group E of the European qualifiers with only three points from four matches, leaving it seven points shy of leaders Switzerland.

The match against Iceland is a must-win for Slovenia if it stands to have realistic chances of keeping touch with Switzerland and second-placed Norway (7 points).

Slovenia's disappointing start prompted the resignation of coach Slaviša Stojanovič in December, which paved the way to the hiring of Srečko Katanec, who led Slovenia to the 2000 Euro and 2002 World Cup tournaments.

While Katanec's return to the Slovenian bench started with a 3-0 loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina in early February, a chance in tactics and Katanec's optimism has inspired hope that Slovenia could turn its recent struggles around.

Katanec was happy with the team's preparations ahead of Friday's match in Stožice Stadium in Ljubljana. "One thing I can promise is that the boys will give it their all. We know we face a sturdy opponent, whom I don't fear but do respect," he told the press on Thursday.

Warning that the pressure of a must-win game could get to the team, Katanec has tried to divert the team's attention from a need to win to a need to "plough the field". "We need to have the right attitude and absolutely work our hardest."

Katanec has remained tight-lipped about the starting line-up for the match, with the most questions being about who will get the nod to start up front after veteran Milivoje Novaković's return to the team. Novaković received first team reps over Tim Matavž in the team's trainings during the week.

Moreover, midfielder Valter Birsa, who sustained an ankle injury during training earlier in the week, is expected to be ready for Friday's match.

Iceland coach Lars Lagerback has told the press he expects an "average qualifying match". He said he expected Iceland, who have six points from four matches, to play tough defence and capitalise on opportunities from set plays on offence.