Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Knowing that they could astonishingly skyrocket their way to the top of the Group A table on Friday night, Slovakia will host Northern Ireland.
Slovakia
Starting with the hosts, embarking on what has been a sensational World Cup qualifying adventure since getting their Group A adventure underway back in September, Slovakia have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across the continent. Breaking a string of records and riding a major wave of momentum, the Falcons find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Getting proceedings underway with an iconic 2-0 victory against European giants Germany on September 4th, Francesco Calzona’s men know that they can remarkably climb to the top of the Group A standings here. Making an immediate return to winning ways last time out as they secured another 2-0 win against Luxembourg, Slovakia have won three of their four qualifying appearances. It should also be highlighted, the former Napoli boss has not seen his squad suffer a single defeat from all of their last seven consecutive showdowns on home soil.
Slovakia Team News
In what is a real boost for Slovakia this month, Napoli star Stanislav Lobotka has returned from a recent muscle issue and should start in the middle of the park here. However, still dealing with a long-term knee issue, Verona striker Tomas Suslov has not been included.
Making his move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce a permanent one over the summer, Milan Skriniar will lead Slovakia out this weekend and earn an 86th international cap. Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka will start between the sticks in Kosice.
Northern Ireland
As for the visitors, while Northern Ireland might have put in a gritty performance in Belfast last time out, they did miss out on the opportunity to claim a famous qualifying scalp. Eventually falling to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Germany, Michael O’Neil’s men face what is a must-win showdown on foreign soil this weekend. Nevertheless, securing a Nations League promotion last year and suffering just a pair of competitive defeats over the past 14 months, the Greens still have their sights set on snatching a silver medal finish in Group A. Despite travelling to Kosice on Friday night facing a real challenge, Northern Ireland should be excited by their reverse showdown against Slovakia. Landing a 2-0 win when they welcomed the Falcons to town on October 10th, the ex-Stoke City boss will be dreaming of a repeat performance this weekend.
Northern Ireland Team News
Dealing with a recent hamstring injury, Northern Ireland are unable to call upon Southampton starlet Shea Charles this month. Likewise, set to serve a one-match World Cup qualifying suspension on Friday night, Swansea midfielder Ethan Galbraith will not play any part here.
However, serving his own respective Group A ban against Germany last month, Liverpool ace Conor Bradley will make a full return at start at right-back. Now playing his domestic football with MLS outfit San Diego, one-time Manchester United youngster paddy McNair will start at the back.
Slovakia vs Northern Ireland Key Factors to Consider
- When Slovakia and Northern Ireland met for their reverse Group A showdown on October 10th, Friday’s guests collected a 2-0 victory in Belfast.
- However, Slovakia have won each of their other three World Cup qualifying appearances.
- The Falcons have not suffered a single defeat from any of their previous seven consecutive home fixtures across all competitions.
- Northern Ireland have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous eight straight matchups on foreign soil.
- Slovakia have recorded a clean sheet in all of their previous four consecutive home fixtures.
Conclusion
While Northern Ireland might have secured a stellar 2-0 victory when they welcomed Slovakia to Belfast last month, O’Neil’s side have a real battle on their hands here. With the Falcons knowing that they could remarkably leapfrog Germany and skyrocket their way to the top of the Group A standings, Friday’s hosts have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across the continent. Two camps who face what looks set to be a pivotal showdown in Kosice, we could be set for a nail-biting affair this weekend.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
