We have a huge game taking place in Kosice today as both Slovakia and Northern Ireland stay in contention with Germany at the top of Group A in UEFA qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Maurizio Sarri’s former assistant coach at Napoli, Francesco Calzona, remains in charge of a Slovakia side that have been quite good to watch in recent times. They began the campaign with a 2-0 victory over the Germans but sit below Die Mannschaft on goal difference.
That is because of a defeat at Windsor Park in Belfast against a Northern Ireland side that have enjoyed a much-improved 15 months or so under the management of Michael O’Neill.
The Green and White Army can still get themselves a playoff berth after two hard-fought losses to Germany to go alongside that win against Slovakia, as well a victory against Luxembourg.
Can Slovakia keep the pressure up on Germany or will Northern Ireland get themselves a handy win? AllSportsPeople brings you this betting preview complete with the latest tips and odds.
Slovakia vs. Northern Ireland preview: Who will win today?
Slovakia have been very impressive with their home advantage of late, as was shown in that defeat of the Germans with Middlesbrough striker David Strelec in particular starring.
However, the Slovakians did show they can struggle against more obdurate and defensive opposition, and that will be the case again against a Northern Ireland looking to edge a low-scoring encounter.
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Head-to-Head: Slovakia vs. Northern Ireland
- The most recent clash between the two came just last month as Northern Ireland won 2-0 thanks to a Patrik Hrosovsky own goal as well as a strike from Sunderland right-back Trai Hume.
- That was Northern Ireland’s first victory against the Slovakians since their first ever meeting in a friendly back in March 1998.
- Overall, the two sides have faced off against each other on six occasions with two victories for the Northern Irish, one draw and three Slovakia victories.
Slovakia vs. Northern Ireland: Form Guide
Slovakia – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Slovakia 2-0 Luxembourg (UEFA WCQ)
- Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia (UEFA WCQ)
- Luxembourg 0-1 Slovakia (UEFA WCQ)
- Slovakia 2-0 Germany (UEFA WCQ)
- Israel 1-0 Slovakia (Friendly)
Northern Ireland – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Northern Ireland 0-1 Germany (UEFA WCQ)
- Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia (UEFA WCQ)
- Germany 3-1 Northern Ireland (UEFA WCQ)
- Luxembourg 1-3 Northern Ireland (UEFA WCQ)
- Northern Ireland 1-0 Iceland (Friendly)
Slovakia vs. Northern Ireland Score Prediction
These are two evenly matched sides. As we saw in their UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation playoff in March against Slovenia, they find it tough to break down defensive teams.
That is in direct contrast to better performances against both Belgium and England at UEFA EURO 2024 last summer, as well as against Germany in September. Northern Ireland will believe they can therefore be very difficult for them to play against.
Prediction: Slovakia 1-1 Northern Ireland (5/1 with Bet365)
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Slovakia vs. Northern Ireland Team News
Slovakia Team News
- Former Real Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif, now of Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyonnais, has been challenging Martin Dubravka for the number one spot, but he is now injured.
- David Strelec has endured a tough start to life at Middlesbrough, despite ‘Boro pushing towards the top-of-the-table in the Championship, but he should start again.
- Slavia Prague winger Ivan Schranz has enjoyed a late career surge and he should form part of an exciting attack for the home team. Ondrej Duda, though, is missing through suspension.
Northern Ireland Team News
- Key man Conor Bradley, of Premier League champions Liverpool, was suspended against Germany, but he will now return to the side for this one.
- However, the Northern Irish will now instead be without midfielder Ethan Galbraith due to suspension, who has been brilliant since joining Swansea City from last season’s League One play-off finalists Leyton Orient over the summer.
- Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles and his brother, Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, are frustrating injury absentees alongside Oxford United defender Brodie Spencer.
Slovakia vs. Northern Ireland Lineups: Predicted starting XI's
This is how we think these two sides will lineup as Northern Ireland chase an unlikely but campaign-defining result in Slovakia.
Slovakia predicted lineup to play Northern Ireland
(4-3-3) Dubravka (GK) — Pekarik, Skriniar, Obert, Hancko – Hrosovsky, Lobotka, Benes — Schranz, Strelec, Haraslin
Northern Ireland predicted lineup to play Slovakia
((3-4-1-2) Peacock-Farrell (GK) — Hume, Ballard, McNair – Bradley, Saville, Price, Devenny — Donley – Reid, Charles
Slovakia vs. Northern Ireland betting odds
- Slovakia to Win: 21/20 with Ladbrokes
- Northern Ireland to Win: 7/2 with AK Bets
- Draw: 11/5 with Coral
Bet Builder Tips: Slovakia vs. Northern Ireland
Our bet builder for this one is for under 2.5 goals in the match, Paddy McNair and George Saville both to be carded, Isaac Price to have a shot on target and Slovakia to have the most cards in the game which comes to overall odds of 19.75/1 with Sky Bet.
How to watch Slovakia vs. Northern Ireland: Live stream, TV channel
Here's all the key information on how to watch Slovakia vs. Northern Ireland.
- Date: Friday, November 14
- Venue: Kosicka Futbalova Arena, Kosice, Slovakia
- Time: 7:45 p.m.
- TV/Stream: BBC / BBC iPlayer