Slovakia vs Northern Ireland kick-off, date & TV info
Date Friday, November 14
Kick-off 7.45pm
Venue Kosicka Futbalova Arena, Kosice, Slovakia
Competition World Cup qualifying
TV BBC Two Northern Ireland and BBC Three
Northern Ireland are hoping to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986 and they face a crucial trip to Slovakia on Friday.
Michael O’Neill’s men beat Slovakia 2-0 at Windsor Park in Belfast last month but they kick off Friday’s game in third place in Group A, three points behind Germany and Slovakia.
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Slovakia vs Northern Ireland betting tips & predictions
Best bet
Over 2.5 goals
2pts 6-4 bet365
Player to score or assist
Conor Bradley to score or assist a goal
9-2 Paddy Power
Longshot
Slovakia to win 2-1
17-2 bet365
Slovakia vs Northern Ireland preview
Northern Ireland produced a superb display to beat Slovakia 2-0 in last month’s World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park and a repeat performance is required in Friday’s return fixture.
Slovakia’s opening 2-0 win over Germany tore up the script in qualifying Group A and they followed up by beating Luxembourg at home and away.
Northern Ireland have had a tougher start to the section, suffering home and away defeats to Germany, but confidence is high as Michael O’Neill’s men head to Slovakia on matchday five.
They are three points behind qualification rivals Germany and Slovakia but have the advantage of facing Luxembourg, who have lost four out of four, at home in their final game.
O’Neill and his players cannot look too far ahead, though, as a positive result against Slovakia in Kosice is absolutely vital.
The Green and White Army must cope without key midfielders Shea Charles and Ali McCann, who are injured, and suspended Swansea forward Ethan Galbraith, who has started their first four qualifiers.
Slovakia are a tough team to beat, as England can testify – the Three Lions needed an injury-time equaliser from Jude Bellingham to avoid a humiliating last-16 defeat at Euro 2024.
The Slovaks have kept a clean sheet in their three qualifying victories but Northern Ireland have to take risks if they are to keep alive their qualification hopes.
Over 2.5 goals looks a big price given the context of the fixture and Northern Ireland’s recent results away from home.
They beat Luxembourg 3-1 on matchday one before a 3-1 defeat to Germany in Cologne, where the in-form Isaac Price scored an excellent first-half goal for the underdogs.
There have been three or more goals in each of Northern Ireland’s last five away games while they also turned on the style in a 5-0 home win over Bulgaria in the 2024-24 Nations League.
Liverpool’s Conor Bradley has become a key figure for Northern IrelandCredit: Sportsfile via Getty Images
Brilliant Bradley can showcase creative talents
Liverpool star Conor Bradley was suspended for last month’s 1-0 home defeat to Germany but he should play a leading role against Slovakia, at both ends of the pitch.
The wing-back scored four goals in ten internationals in 2024 and should have licence to get forward on Friday, especially if the visitors are chasing the game.
Solid Slovakia could edge another tight contest
Slovakia are in a strong position in Group A, albeit with a tough trip to Germany looming on Monday, and a 2-1 win for the home side appeals in the correct-score betting.
Northern Ireland’s midfield injuries could prove decisive, particularly as Napoli star Stanislav Lobotka is back in the Slovak engine-room.
Slovakia vs Northern Ireland Bet Builder
Over 2.5 goals
Four of Northern Ireland’s last five away matches featured over 3.5 goals and there should be at least three goals in Friday’s game in Kosice.
Isaac Price to have a shot on target
The Northern Ireland star has found the net eight times in his last 11 internationals, also scoring five goals for West Brom in this season’s Championship.
Dan Ballard to have a shot on target
Sunderland’s imposing centre-back scored a huge goal against Arsenal last weekend and he will be one of the main aerial targets for Northern Ireland’s set-pieces.
Pays out at 10-1 with bet365
Key stats for Slovakia vs Northern Ireland
♦ Both teams have scored in only one of Slovakia’s last nine matches
♦ Slovakia have won three of their first four qualifiers to nil
♦ There were over 3.5 goals in four of Northern Ireland’s last five away fixtures
♦ Northern Ireland have lost only three of their last ten competitive fixtures
♦ Isaac Price has scored eight goals in his last 11 internationals
Slovakia vs Northern Ireland betting odds
Sign up with Paddy Power to bet on Slovakia vs Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifying. Here are the latest odds for Friday’s match.
MarketOddsSlovakia19-20Northern Ireland100-30Draw2-1
Odds correct at time of publishing
Want more top football betting advice? Make sure you take a look at Racing Post Sport’s tips for more of the latest picks from our experts.
Slovakia vs Northern Ireland team news and predicted line-ups
Slovakia
Midfielder Stanislav Lobotka is fit again but Ondrej Duda is suspended. Tomas Suslov (knee) is a long-term absentee.
Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Dubravka; Gyomber, Skriniar, Obert, Hancko; Lobotka, Hrosovsky, Bero; Haraslin, Strelec, Schranz
Northern Ireland
Goalkeeper Pierce Charles is injured along with Shea Charles, Brodie Spencer and Ali McCann. Ethan Galbraith serves a one-match ban.
Predicted line-up (3-5-2): Peacock-Farrell; Hume, Ballard, McNair; Bradley, Price, Saville, Devenny, Lewis; Marshall, Reid
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FAQs for Slovakia vs Northern Ireland
When is Slovakia vs Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifying?
The match kicks off at 7.45pm on Friday, November 14.
Where is Slovakia vs Northern Ireland being played?
Friday’s game is taking place at the Kosicka Futbalova Arena in Kosice, Slovakia.
Where can I watch Slovakia vs Northern Ireland?
There is live coverage of Slovakia vs Northern Ireland on BBC Two Northern Ireland and BBC Three.
What is the match betting for Slovakia vs Northern Ireland?
Slovakia are 19-20 to beat 100-30 visitors Northern Ireland and the draw is 2-1.
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