Slovakia vs Northern Ireland – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Northern Ireland face Slovakia away from home in their next World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Both Slovakia and Northern Ireland remain very much in contention for automatic World Cup qualification heading into a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A qualifier at the Košická futbalová aréna in Košice on Friday.

This match could prove to be one of the most decisive fixtures in the qualifying campaign for both sides.

Slovakia vs Northern Ireland – Match preview and team news

Slovakia team news

Slovakia can welcome back influential Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka after he recently returned from injury, providing a significant boost to their midfield. His presence will be crucial as the hosts look to control proceedings against their visitors. However, key attacker Tomáš Sušlov remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from an ACL tear suffered in August.

Experienced defender Milan Škriniar will again wear the captain’s armband in a back four that also features Atlético Madrid’s Dávid Hancko, forming an imperious defensive partnership. Burnley’s Martin Dúbravka will don the gloves between the sticks. Additionally, Slovakia will be without midfielder Ondrej Duda, who received a suspension after collecting his second yellow card against Luxembourg in October.

Northern Ireland team news

Northern Ireland have been hit by several significant injuries ahead of the away fixture. The side are still missing first-choice goalkeeper Pierce Charles, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. His brother, midfielder Shea Charles, has also been ruled out due to a hamstring problem, while another midfield regular, Ali McCann, suffered a fractured arm.

Ethan Galbraith must serve a one-match suspension after picking up a booking in the previous match, though suspended midfielder Conor Bradley is back from his ban. Bradley, Liverpool’s highly-rated right-back who won the Premier League last season with Liverpool, provides defensive stability and is key to Northern Ireland’s attacking play.

Experienced shot-stopper Bailey Peacock-Farrell will continue in goal behind a familiar three-man defence, while midfielder Isaac Price, who has been one of Northern Ireland’s standout performers, is once again expected to play a crucial role in helping his nation in this crucial qualifier window.

Form

Slovakia

Francesco Calzona’s side ended their recent qualifying run in strong form after securing a vital 2-0 home victory over Luxembourg in their most recent outing last month. However, they suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Windsor Park in October, which proved to be their only loss in the current qualifying campaign.

Northern Ireland

Michael O’Neill’s young squad has shown resilience and determination throughout the qualifying campaign. Their standout performance came in their impressive 2-0 home victory over Slovakia in October, which is regarded as one of the best performances in either of O’Neill’s tenures as manager. Following this historic win, Northern Ireland then fell to a 1-0 defeat against Germany at Windsor Park.

Despite being depleted by injuries, Northern Ireland sit just three points behind Slovakia in the group. The away side must win here to maintain their World Cup qualification hopes, as anything less could prove costly heading into the final fixtures.

Predicted lineups

Slovakia: Dubravka; Gyomber, Skriniar, Obert, Hancko; Duda, Lobotka, Bero; Haraslin, Strelec, Schranz.

Northern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell; Hume, Ballard, McNair; Bradley, Price, Saville, Devenny, Lewis; Marshall, Reid.

How to watch Slovakia vs Northern Ireland?

In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on BBC platforms.

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