NORTHERN IRELAND must somehow try and pick themselves up for Monday's visit from Kazakhstan with their Euro 2024 dream already in turmoil.
Michael O'Neill's men were left gutted after they somehow held firm following a battering in Copenhagen to secure what they thought was a late equaliser against Denmark.
But after a lengthy VAR check, teenage sub Callum Marshall's audacious strike was disallowed for offside against Johnny Evans which broke the hearts of the Ulster team.
They've now lost two games by 1-0 to Finland and in Denmark and are realistically are up against it at best now, a fact acknowledged by O'Neill.
And they have a tricky trip against an improving Kazakhstan side.
They of course beat San Marino a few days ago in the usual farcical encounter when they strolled to a 3-0 win, but they made Europe sit up and take notice when they battled back from being 2-0 down at half time in Astana in March to win 3-2 against Denmark.
It made it all the more surprising because they had previously lost their last three games to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates…all away from home.
And it's clear they are far more comfortable usually at home than on their travels.
How the bookies view it
Northern Ireland are clear favourites here at 4/7, with Kazakhstan 6/1 with Paddy Power and the draw 11/4 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
The two nations will meet for the first time at Windsor Park.
Players to watch
Callum Marshall will be desperate to make up for his harshly disallowed first international strike. The West Ham kid is a prolific scorer at youth level and could get the nod in Belfast to start. He is 12/5 to score anytime with bet365.
Askhat Tagybergen could be a lively outsider at 14/1 with bet365. He takes penalties for Kazakhstan and the Tobol Kostanay midfielder scored against Denmark and San Marino.
Anything else catch the eye?
You can't be steaming into Northern Ireland at heavy odds-on against anyone to be honest and especially not when they have ten players out injured and ended up with six Under 21s players on the pitch in Copenhagen.
This is a very young team and while they may manage to edge out the former Soviet nation, they are far too short here.
This face a Kazakhstan side who scored three goals against Denmark and the value here looks to be the double chance at 7/5 with Paddy Power.
The visitors also look a decent bet to just score at 10/11 with Ladbrokes against a Northern Irish team who have only managed two clean sheets in their last 11 games – against Cyprus and San Marino.
This Euro 2024 match between Northern Ireland and Kazakhstan will be played on Jun 19, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Northern Ireland vs Kazakhstan prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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