Slovakia v Northern Ireland: Kosice clash should feature goals | OneFootball

World Cup 2026

Slovakia and Northern Ireland are still in contention for a World Cup spot

Slovakia and Northern Ireland know a top-two spot is still up for grabs, and Kevin Hatchard expects a lively encounter tonight.

Slovakia v Northern IrelandFriday 14 November, 19:45Live on BBC Three

Dream still alive for Germany's conquerors

Slovakia couldn't have made a much better start to these qualifiers, as they handed mighty Germany a 2-0 defeat in Bratislava. To underline the historic significance of that result, it was Germany's first ever defeat away from home in a World Cup qualifier.

Slovakia are now level on points with Germany going into these final two qualifiers, and we perhaps shouldn't be too surprised that they are in the mix. They have qualified for three straight European Championships from 2016 to 2024, and they reached the last 16 of the World Cup in 2010.

Although Slovakia can't call upon the world-class talent that was Marek Hamsik, there is plenty of talent at the disposal of coach Francesco Calzona. Veteran keeper Martin Dubravka is still operating at Premier League level, centre-backs Milan Skriniar and David Hancko have Champions League quality, Napoli's Stanislav Lobotka is one of the best holding midfielders in Serie A, and Middlesborough striker David Strelec is their chief goal threat (he scored in the 2-0 win over Luxembourg last time out).

Slovakia have no major injuries, and can pretty much field their strongest XI.

Northern Ireland must work out whether to stick or twist

It can be difficult sometimes when you go into a game knowing that you don't need to win, but you certainly mustn't lose. If Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland lose in Bratislava, they will need to hope a playoff spot becomes available via their Nations League placing. If they draw or win, then they can overhaul Slovakia on the final matchday, with NI facing Luxembourg and Slovakia having to go to Germany.

Northern Ireland certainly have plenty of confidence. They beat Slovakia 2-0 on a fantastic night at Windsor Park, and gave Germany an almighty scare in Belfast before succumbing to a 1-0 defeat. That is the only qualifier so far that O'Neill's men haven't scored in.

The return of Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley is a huge boost, and he has certainly had plenty of education in his last two club games. He did a superb job against Vinicius Junior in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Real Madrid, but he was led a merry dance by Jeremy Doku in a 3-0 defeat at Manchester City.

Elsewhere Ali McCann has a fractured arm, while Ethan Galbraith is suspended.

Both teams can find the net

If Slovakia score early here, Northern Ireland will have to open the game up and go for it, and I'm attracted to the 2.3 on offer for Both Teams To Score. Slovakia know a draw leaves them vulnerable if they then lose in Germany, so they can't really afford to coast through the game either.

Northern Ireland have scored in their last five away internationals, including in a defeat in Germany. They scored twice in the reverse fixture, but they have kept a clean sheet in just one of their last 13 internationals on the road.

Now read our Opta stats preview of Slovakia v Northern Ireland

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