Both Slovakia and Northern Ireland are still in contention to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 as they prepare to face off in Kosice for a World Cup qualifying (WCQ) match on Friday night. Indeed, both nations are currently in second and third place in Group A respectively, with group leaders Germany expected to qualify in first position with just two games to go.
Slovakia have the edge over Northern Ireland in the group, but the latter did win the reverse fixture in WCQ. Thus, we are expecting an intriguing showdown when both nations match up again.
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Slovakia vs Northern Ireland prediction:
Key stats
- Slovakia are unbeaten in seven home games in total in all competitions.
- Northern Ireland have won just once in eight away matches in total across all competitions.
- Northern Ireland have also won just once in five previous H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Slovakia 2-0 Northern Ireland
Given Slovakia’s excellent home form of late, we are backing them to pick up all three points. They have also kept three clean sheets in total in WCQ so far, and so we are backing them to keep another one against Northern Ireland.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Slovakia favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 1/1 (2.00) – 50.0%
- DRAW: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
- AWAY: 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Slovakia has been installed as the favourites with bookmakers to claim all three points on home soil. A draw can still be backed at just over 31%, while a Northern Ireland victory away from home is rated at just under 26%.
Also, feel free to check out our best betting tips for more of our expert predictions around the other WCQ matches.
Most recent H2Hs: Northern Ireland broke winless duck
Northern Ireland did win the previous meeting 2-0 earlier in WCQ, but that was their first H2H victory in five attempts. Slovakia have shown themselves to be a superior nation over a longer period of time.
Euro 2020 Qualifying 12/11/20
Northern Ireland
Slovakia
International Match 04/06/16
Slovakia
Northern Ireland
Slovakia preview: Lobotka back from injury
Slovakia have welcomed back key midfielder Stanislav Lobotka to the squad from injury. However, Tomas Suslov continues to miss out after unfortunately tearing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
Predicted lineup: Dubravka (GK); Gyomber, Skriniar, Obert, Hancko; Duda, Lobotka, Bero; Haraslin, Strelec & Schranz
Last five results:
- Slovakia 2-0 Luxembourg
- Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia
- Luxembourg 0-1 Slovakia
- Slovakia 2-0 Germany
- Israel 1-0 Slovakia
Northern Ireland preview: Bradley back from suspension
Conor Bradley is back from suspension in a big boost for Northern Ireland. However, Pierce Charles, Shea Charles, Ali McCann, Ethan Galbraith and Brodie Spencer are all missing through either injury or suspension.
Predicted lineup: Peacock-Farrell (GK); Hume, Ballard, McNair; Bradley, Price, Saville, Devenny, Lewis; Marshall & Reid
Last five results:
- Northern Ireland 0-1 Germany
- Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia
- Germany 3-1 Northern Ireland
- Luxembourg 1-3 Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland 1-0 Iceland
Player to watch: David Strelec
David Strelec has scored five goals for Slovakia in his last 13 senior international caps, and is undoubtedly his country’s biggest goal threat. With a solid foundation behind him, the forward can be unleashed against Northern Ireland.