N Ireland v Slovakia Prediction and Preview | World Cup Qualifier

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DavidParsons

David Parsons is an experienced sports writer with over 15 years’ expertise, creating trusted, data-driven match previews and betting content for leading sports platforms.

Published Date: October 9, 2025 9:48 PM

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N Ireland v Slovakia Match Preview

Northern Ireland v Slovakia Betting Tips and Preview – World Cup Qualifier

Date: 10 October, 19:45
Competition: World Cup Qualifier
Venue: Windsor Park

Northern Ireland v Slovakia Match Preview

Northern Ireland return to Windsor Park on Friday night looking to bounce back from defeat in Germany as they take on Group A leaders Slovakia in what promises to be a testing World Cup qualifier in Belfast.

Michael O’Neill’s side opened their qualifying campaign brightly with a 3-1 win away at Luxembourg, but they came back down to earth quickly with a 3-1 loss in Germany. Despite flashes of attacking quality, the Irish have struggled for consistency over the past year, winning just three of their last eight games in all competitions while conceding in six of those.

Home advantage at Windsor Park will no doubt provide a lift, yet Northern Ireland’s recent record in front of their own fans remains patchy. O’Neill will be hoping his team can rediscover some of their trademark defensive resilience and energy against a Slovakia side who are in fine form.

The visitors sit top of Group A with two wins from two, having stunned Germany with a superb 2-0 victory in Bratislava before following up with a professional 1-0 win away at Luxembourg. Those results have given Francesco Calzona’s team early control of the group, built on a strong defensive base and clean sheets in both fixtures.

Slovakia’s revival is impressive considering they had won just one of their previous six matches before qualifying began, but with key players such as Milan Skriniar and Stanislav Lobotka anchoring the spine of the side, they now look well-drilled and difficult to break down.

With Northern Ireland struggling for momentum and Slovakia brimming with confidence, this encounter has all the makings of a tight, tactical battle at Windsor Park.

N Ireland v Slovakia

10 Oct 19:45 - N. Ireland vs Slovakia - WC Qualification Europe

10 Oct 19:45
N. Ireland vs Slovakia - WC Qualification Europe

Slovakia Win Draw No Bet

Draw No Bet

11/10

Reason for Tip

Northern Ireland v Slovakia Betting Tips and Preview – World Cup Qualifier

Date: 10 October, 19:45
Competition: World Cup Qualifier
Venue: Windsor Park

Northern Ireland v Slovakia Match Preview

Northern Ireland return to Windsor Park on Friday night looking to bounce back from defeat in Germany as they take on Group A leaders Slovakia in what promises to be a testing World Cup qualifier in Belfast.

Michael O’Neill’s side opened their qualifying campaign brightly with a 3-1 win away at Luxembourg, but they came back down to earth quickly with a 3-1 loss in Germany. Despite flashes of attacking quality, the Irish have struggled for consistency over the past year, winning just three of their last eight games in all competitions while conceding in six of those.

Home advantage at Windsor Park will no doubt provide a lift, yet Northern Ireland’s recent record in front of their own fans remains patchy. O’Neill will be hoping his team can rediscover some of their trademark defensive resilience and energy against a Slovakia side who are in fine form.

The visitors sit top of Group A with two wins from two, having stunned Germany with a superb 2-0 victory in Bratislava before following up with a professional 1-0 win away at Luxembourg. Those results have given Francesco Calzona’s team early control of the group, built on a strong defensive base and clean sheets in both fixtures.

Slovakia’s revival is impressive considering they had won just one of their previous six matches before qualifying began, but with key players such as Milan Skriniar and Stanislav Lobotka anchoring the spine of the side, they now look well-drilled and difficult to break down.

With Northern Ireland struggling for momentum and Slovakia brimming with confidence, this encounter has all the makings of a tight, tactical battle at Windsor Park.

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Current Form Guide

Northern Ireland Recent Form

1-3 loss vs Germany (World Cup Qualifier)
3-1 win vs Luxembourg (World Cup Qualifier)
0-1 loss vs Finland (Friendly)
3 wins in last 8 games

Slovakia Recent Form

1-0 win vs Luxembourg (World Cup Qualifier)
2-0 win vs Germany (World Cup Qualifier)
1-2 loss vs Czech Republic (Friendly)
2 clean sheets in last 2 games

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Team News and Predicted Line-Ups

Northern Ireland

Michael O’Neill welcomes back Daniel Ballard, Conor Hazard, Brodie Spencer, Ciaron Brown and Paul Smyth, all of whom missed last month’s fixtures. Veteran forward Josh Magennis also returns after nearly a year out of the international setup.

First-choice keeper Pierce Charles remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, meaning Bailey Peacock-Farrell is set to continue between the sticks. In attack, West Brom’s Price remains in excellent form, scoring eight goals in his last nine internationals.

Predicted Northern Ireland XI (3-4-2-1):
Peacock-Farrell; Hume, McNair, Ballard; Bradley, McCann, S. Charles, Devenny; Galbraith, Price; Reid

Slovakia

Francesco Calzona’s squad is in good shape with few injury concerns. David Strelec continues to lead the line after scoring five goals in his last 11 appearances for the national team, supported by Leo Sauer and the returning Lukas Haraslin.

Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka will dictate the tempo from deep, while Milan Skriniar marshals the backline as captain. Calzona is unlikely to make major changes to his settled and confident side.

Predicted Slovakia XI (4-3-3):
Dubravka; Gyomber, Satka, Skriniar, Hancko; Duda, Lobotka, Bero; Haraslin, Strelec, Sauer

N Ireland v Slovakia Prediction

Northern Ireland are usually stubborn opponents at home, but Slovakia’s form, organisation and cutting edge in attack give them the upper hand here. The visitors have been clinical and composed under Calzona, and while a draw cannot be ruled out, Slovakia look the more likely winners.

Tipman Prediction: Slovakia Draw No Bet

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N Ireland v Slovakia Betting Tips

Slovakia Draw No Bet @ 2.10 (Paddy Power)

N Ireland v Slovakia

10 Oct 19:45 - N. Ireland vs Slovakia - WC Qualification Europe

10 Oct 19:45
N. Ireland vs Slovakia - WC Qualification Europe

Slovakia Win Draw No Bet

Draw No Bet

11/10

Reason for Tip

Northern Ireland v Slovakia Betting Tips and Preview – World Cup Qualifier

Date: 10 October, 19:45
Competition: World Cup Qualifier
Venue: Windsor Park

Northern Ireland v Slovakia Match Preview

Northern Ireland return to Windsor Park on Friday night looking to bounce back from defeat in Germany as they take on Group A leaders Slovakia in what promises to be a testing World Cup qualifier in Belfast.

Michael O’Neill’s side opened their qualifying campaign brightly with a 3-1 win away at Luxembourg, but they came back down to earth quickly with a 3-1 loss in Germany. Despite flashes of attacking quality, the Irish have struggled for consistency over the past year, winning just three of their last eight games in all competitions while conceding in six of those.

Home advantage at Windsor Park will no doubt provide a lift, yet Northern Ireland’s recent record in front of their own fans remains patchy. O’Neill will be hoping his team can rediscover some of their trademark defensive resilience and energy against a Slovakia side who are in fine form.

The visitors sit top of Group A with two wins from two, having stunned Germany with a superb 2-0 victory in Bratislava before following up with a professional 1-0 win away at Luxembourg. Those results have given Francesco Calzona’s team early control of the group, built on a strong defensive base and clean sheets in both fixtures.

Slovakia’s revival is impressive considering they had won just one of their previous six matches before qualifying began, but with key players such as Milan Skriniar and Stanislav Lobotka anchoring the spine of the side, they now look well-drilled and difficult to break down.

With Northern Ireland struggling for momentum and Slovakia brimming with confidence, this encounter has all the makings of a tight, tactical battle at Windsor Park.

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Conclusion

Windsor Park will be bouncing for this one, but Slovakia’s defensive discipline and attacking quality make them tough opponents. Expect a low-scoring, tight game — with the visitors well-priced to avoid defeat and possibly snatch all three points.

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