This is a huge match for Northern Ireland, and surely a must-win for their chances of World Cup qualification. With Slovakia’s defeat of Germany in the opening set of fixtures in September, the group stands on a precipice.

If Northern Ireland can get the better of Slovakia in Belfast, then they have a real chance of finishing in the top two of the group.

If you want more stats ahead of this clash in World Cup Qualification, you can get them from the Northern Ireland v Slovakia Betting Stats.

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📂 Northern Ireland v Slovakia Cheat Sheet

📈 Northern Ireland v Slovakia Form & Tactics

Northern Ireland are currently ranked #72 in the FIFA rankings, which is a long way from their high of #20 in 2017, but also a long way from their nadir in the hundreds as well.

Michael O'Neill's men come into this World Cup campaign off the back of a very successful Nations League promotion back into Tier B, having bettered Bulgaria, Belarus, and Luxembourg in their group. They also began this qualification campaign with an important win in Luxembourg, before being outclassed in Germany.

Northern Ireland have scored in nine consecutive internationals now, which is impressive for a nation that, for a long time, struggled in front of goal. However, they have also conceded twelve in their last six matches as well.

Slovakia are currently ranked #42 by FIFA, which is fairly consistent for them over the last few years.

Like Northern Ireland, Slovakia were in the C tier of the Nations League. They actually won more points than Northern Ireland (13 v 11) but failed to win promotion after missing out to Slovenia in the promotion play-offs. Two friendly defeats to Greece and Israel followed that campaign, so it was a huge surprise to everyone that they then went on to defeat Germany in the opening match of this campaign. They then backed this up with a narrow win away in Luxembourg to sit top of the group heading into this match.

When removing friendlies from their recent history, Slovakia have a slight xG advantage over their opponents, 1.45 xG v 1.3 xG; eight of these matches were from the Nations League, with six from the Euro 2024 tournament and two from the current campaign.

📔 Northern Ireland v Slovakia Formation & Team News

Michael O’Neill has found a shape that suits the players at his disposal, a 3-5-2 has emerged recently from an initial 3-4-1-2, but what is clear is that there is a lot of talent in this current crop of Northern Irish players. Central midfield has great depth in Shea Charles, Ethan Galbraith, Justin Devenny, and Ali McCann competing for positions. Devenny has found a role as left wing-back at the moment, with Liverpool’s Conor Bradley completing an all-Premier League combination out wide.

Ciaron Brown has been called up for the squad despite missing most of the season so far for Oxford. There is a slight goalkeeper issue as well, with Pierce Charles, Northern Ireland’s most likely long-term goalkeeper, still out injured. There have been recalls as well for Josh Magennis, Daniel Ballard, Conor Hazard, Brodie Spencer, Paul Smyth, and Ross McCausland.

Slovakia have used a 4-3-3 for a long time now. Their current crop of players have been moulded into this shape, with centre forwards now plying their trade in the EFL Championship, Robert Bozenik (Stoke) and David Strelec (Middlesbrough) competing for the central forward role. Width is provided by the world-class Atletico Madrid full-back David Hancko on the left, but they are struggling for a similar standard on the right, so often attacks can be lopsided.

Unfortunately for Slovakia, their world-class midfielder Stanislav Lobotka is missing this camp due to injury. Outside of that, Francesco Calzona has a full squad to call upon.

Football Predictions at Andy's Bet Club

Keep up with our Football Betting Tips, as well as World Cup Predictions for this weekend, on Andy's Bet Club.

For Friday's football, we also have a World Cup Qualifying Accumulator, as well as France v Azerbaijan Quick Tips, Germany v Luxembourg Quick Tips, and Iceland v Ukraine Quick Tips.

Goals bettors can cheer on our Over 2.5 Goals Acca Tips and Both Teams to Score Tips. Those who are fans of player props can also back our Player Shots on Target Betting Predictions and Player Fouls Betting Tips.

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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.