Northern Ireland will take on Slovakia in a World Cup qualifier on Friday, 10 October, in a huge match for both sides as they look to qualify for the finals next summer.
After two matches played in Group A, both sides occupy the top two positions, but with Germany lurking behind, both managers will consider this a must-not-lose match.
As part of this week's round of World Cup qualifying betting tips, check out our Northern Ireland vs Slovakia prediction below.
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Northern Ireland vs Slovakia prediction: A big win ahead for the hosts
Key Stats
- Northern Ireland have won seven of their last eight home matches.
- Northern Ireland have won two of their last three matches in all competitions.
- More than two goals have been scored in four of Northern Ireland's last five matches.
Correct score prediction: Northern Ireland 2-1 Slovakia
In my view, Northern Ireland have the slight edge here, due to a combination of their brilliant recent home form and Slovakia's struggles on the road. The visitors won't just roll over, though, and should get on the scoresheet.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Too close to call
- HOME: 8/5 (2.60) – 38.5%
- DRAW: 15/8 (2.88) – 34.8%
- AWAY: 9/5 (2.80) – 35.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Northern Ireland vs Slovakia odds illustrate just how difficult this match is to call, with the bookies leaving all three results on the table. Ladbrokes have made the hosts the narrow favourites, giving them a 38.5% chance of winning the match, while Slovakia have been given a 35.7% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Only a third meeting in ten years
This will be just the third time that Northern Ireland have faced Slovakia in the last ten years, with both previous matches finishing level after 90 minutes. The most recent clash came in 2020 when they met in the Nations League, when Slovakia came out on top 2-1 after extra time.
Euro 2020 Qualifying 12/11/20
Northern Ireland
Slovakia
International Match 04/06/16
Slovakia
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland preview: Several players have returned
Michael O'Neill will be delighted with the squad he has available for this match, after injuries scuppered his plans for the September break. Paul Smyth, Ciaron Brown, Brodie Spencer, Daniel Ballard and Conor Hazard all missed the last squad but are now back. Pierce Charles is still missing, though, so Bailey Peacock-Farrell should start in goal.
Predicted lineup: Peacock-Farrell (GK), Hume, McNair, Ballard, Bradley, McCann, Charles, Devenny, Price, Galbraith, Reid
Last five results
- Germany 3-1 Northern Ireland
- Luxembourg 1-3 Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland 1-0 Iceland
- Denmark 2-1 Northern Ireland
- Sweden 5-1 Northern Ireland
Slovakia preview: Haraslin is back
Lukas Haraslin is fit again and is expected to come straight back into the starting XI, despite missing the September break, where Slovakia enjoyed a famous win over Germany. The rest of the squad is much the same, with consistency clearly a key factor to their recent success.
Predicted lineup: Dimitrievski (GK), Ilievski, Zajkov, Stojchevski, Alioski, Churlinov, Bardhi, Alimi, Elmas, Miovski, Trajkovski
Last five results
- Luxembourg 0-1 Slovakia
- Slovakia 2-0 Germany
- Israel 1-0 Slovakia
- Greece 4-1 Slovakia
- Slovenia 1-0 Slovakia
Player to watch: Isaac Price
Isaac Price had a night to remember last time out at Windsor Park as he netted against Germany. Although Northern Ireland ultimately ended up losing that match, the confidence of getting on the scoresheet should give Price the confidence to go out and put in a strong performance on Friday.