Northern Ireland face a tough test on Friday night as they welcome Slovakia to Windsor Park in a crucial World Cup qualifier for both.
Northern Ireland made the ideal start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, as they won 1-3 in Luxembourg in their group opener, on an evening that The Betting Desk saw both of his selections land.
However, despite a spirited performance, Michael O’Neill’s men were on the wrong side of a 3-1 scoreline in their next qualifier, as they were beaten by group favourites Germany in Cologne.
That was Germany’s first points of the campaign, as they lost their group opener 2-0 in Bratislava, as goals from David Hancko and David Strelec gave Slovakia a memorable victory.
Francesco Calzona’s visitors backed up that win in their next qualifier, as a 90th-minute Tomas Rigo strike gave The Falcons a 0-1 win, leaving them top of Group A, three points clear of both Germany and Northern Ireland.
How the bookies view it: Norn Iron slight favourites
The bookies have Northern Ireland as slight favourites to bounce back from their defeat in Germany last time out, with BoyleSports pricing a home success at 6/4.
The same firm has Slovakia at 15/8 to maintain their 100% record in Group A, whilst the draw is also 15/8.
Head to head: Slovakia a bogey team for the hosts
These two nations have previously met on four occasions, with Slovakia winning all three of the competitive clashes, with the other meeting being a goalless draw in a friendly back in 2016.
The last of those match-ups came in a Euro 2020 playoff tie, with Slovakia winning 1-2 after extra-time in Belfast.
Players to watch: Price to pounce again?
Isaac Price has been in fine form for West Brom this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in The Baggies’ opening nine Championship fixtures.
What’s more, his form for his country is even better, with the ex-Everton youngster scoring eight goals and providing one assist in his previous nine caps for his country, and the 7/4 on offer at Bet365 for him to Score or Assist on Friday night appeals to me here.
Predicted line-ups:
Goalkeeper Pierce Charles remains out due to injury, but Conor Hazard, Dan Ballard, Ciaron Brown, Brodie Spencer, Paul Smith and Josh Magennis have all returned to Michael O’Neill’s squad.
Slovakia are dealt a blow as Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka will miss the match due to injury, whilst David Hancko is a doubt.
Northern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell, Hume, McNair, Ballard, Bradley, Galbraith, Charles, McCann, Devenny, Price, Magennis
Slovakia: Dubravka, Gyomber, Satka, Skriniar, Hancko, Hrosovsky, Bero, Duda, Duris, Sauer, Strelec
Anything else catch the eye?
This is a crucial clash for both of these nations in their quest to qualify for next summer’s World Cup, and I envisage a nervy, low-scoring encounter.
Northern Ireland have won their last four competitive fixtures at Windsor Park, without conceding, whilst Slovakia have won their opening two World Cup qualifiers, keeping clean sheets in both.
Under 2.0 Asian Goal Line pays 37/40 at Bet365, which means if there are exactly two goals scored, we receive our stake back, whilst zero or one goal will reward us with a full payout.
GambleAware