Northern Ireland take on Slovakia on Friday Night, with Group A of World Cup qualifying finely poised after two matches played.
The two sides enter this game separated by three points, as the visitors have won both of their group games thus far, including a 2-0 win against Germany. As for Northern Ireland, next summer's tournament in the USA will mark 40 years since they last qualified and took part in the world's biggest competition. Michael O'Neill will be hoping recent qualification performances for the European Championships will drive momentum into the Northern Ireland squad.
The home side opened their qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win away at Luxembourg before falling to Germany in a 3-1 defeat last time out. A notable aspect to consider regarding Northern Ireland is their impressive home record in recent international matches. The home side has not lost a competitive match at Windsor Park since October 2023, when they were beaten 1-0 by Slovenia. Since that defeat, Northern Ireland have won six of their last seven matches on home soil.
For Slovakia, the visitors may be unbeaten in their last four matches against Northern Ireland, but something that should concern Francesco Calzona's side is their recent away form. Slovakia have lost three of their last five international matches away from home, and their recent win against Luxembourg only ended 1-0 to Calzona's side.
That being said, Northern Ireland's home form should give them the edge against Slovakia in a 2-1 victory for Michael O'Neill's side.
Northern Ireland 2-1 Slovakia
