NORTHERN IRELAND travel to Astana for the second part of their Euro 2024 double-header when they face Kazakhstan…with both nations on a downer.
Michael O'Neill's men's already slim hopes of qualifying for Germany were surely dealt a fatal blow after a dismal 4-2 loss in Slovenia.
O'Neill bemoaned his side's defending afterward and no wonder against a Slovenia side who had been struggling to score…until they played Northern Ireland.
It's now four defeats in a row now for the Northern Irish and the rest of the campaign will surely be used to rebuild for the next World Cup campaign. They are only three points ahead of San Marino after five games.
Kazakhstan had been going well, but their 1-0 home defeat to group leaders Finland could well be a serious blow for their campaign too, although they are just a point behind Denmark and Slovenia in second place.
Only a win will do for them now, but they have already defeated Denmark at home and they will fancy their chances of getting back in the qualifying race when they face a demoralised Northern Ireland.
How the bookies view it
Bookies have conflicting views on this one and there's not much between the nations.
In fact, the best prices for a win for both Kazakhstan and Northern Ireland is 9/5 – the hosts with Paddy Power and the visitors with Betfred.
The draw can be backed at 21/10 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
The nations have only met once and Abat Aimbetov silenced Windsor Park with a gut-wrenching 88th minute winner for the former Soviet nation when they played in June.
Players to watch
Astana striker Abat Aymbetov will be playing on his home ground and has already scored eight goals for his country. He is 11/4 to score anytime with Paddy Power.
Conor McMenamin was singled out for praise by O'Neill after the midweek defeat and the St Mirren star scored plenty of goals for Glentoran. He could be of interest to score anytime at 7/2 with William Hill.
Anything else catch the eye
Northern Ireland never seem to catch a break and there could be more bad luck coming here with a home win the call.
Despite their defeat to Finland, they are strong at home and not only defeated Denmark, they have also won against Slovakia, Belarus and Azerbaijan in the past year – all teams that would give Northern Ireland a game at the very least.
Northern Ireland finally found a way to goal the other night after going three games without one, but it was typical for them that they forgot how to defend in the process.
The pressure is off the visitors now and that might lead to goals like the other night. Back over 2.5 goals at a big price of 6/4 with William Hill.
This Euro 2024 match between Kazakhstan and Northern Ireland will be played on and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Kazakhstan vs Northern Ireland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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