Slovakia vs Northern Ireland Prediction, Betting Tips, Lineups & Odds – 14 November 2025
The fixture between Slovakia and Northern Ireland is one of the key games in Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Slovakia host Northern Ireland in what promises to be a tense encounter, with both sides still ambitious. Slovakia aim to reinforce their position, while Northern Ireland must deliver to keep their hopes alive.
Match Overview
- Match: Slovakia vs Northern Ireland
- Date: 14 November 2025
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers – UEFA Group A
- Venue: Košická futbalová aréna, Košice, Slovakia
- Kick-off Time: ~19:45 UK time (~00:15 IST)
Match Preview
Slovakia come into this clash with high expectations. They claimed a notable 2-0 win at home recently and are eager to use home advantage to secure another win. Northern Ireland, although showing resilience (including a win over Slovakia away earlier), face a difficult challenge away from home and under pressure to perform.
The margin of error is small for both teams now. Slovakia will dominate possession and aim to avoid mistakes. Northern Ireland will likely adopt a cautious approach, aiming to stay compact and maybe snatch a result via transition or set-piece.
Given the stakes and recent trends, this match may not feature many goals and could hinge on key moments.
Recent Form
Slovakia – Last 5 Matches
- Win vs Luxembourg (2-0)
- Loss vs Northern Ireland (0-2 away)
- Win vs Germany (2-0 home)
- Win vs Luxembourg (1-0 away)
- Friendly/other match
Their recent home form is strong, especially in qualifiers.
Northern Ireland – Last 5 Matches
- Loss vs Germany (0-1)
- Win vs Slovakia (2-0 home)
- Win vs Luxembourg (3-1 away)
- Loss vs other strong side
- Loss/draw vs other match
Northern Ireland display fight but their away form is much weaker.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically Slovakia have had the upper hand. Northern Ireland did secure a win in the most recent H2H away, but overall Slovakia’s home record is dominant. A draw or narrow Slovakia win looks likely given past patterns.
Team News
Slovakia
- Midfielder Stanislav Lobotka is back from injury.
- Attacker Tomas Suslov still out recovering from ACL.
- Key defender Milan Škriniar likely to start.
Northern Ireland
- Defender Conor Bradley returns from suspension.
- Several injuries/suspensions in midfield and defence hamper options.
Probable Lineups
Slovakia Predicted XI
- GK: Martin Dúbravka
- LB: Norbert Gyömbér
- CB: Milan Škriniar
- CB: Adam Obert
- RB: Dávid Hancko
- CM: Ondrej Duda
- CM: Stanislav Lobotka
- CM: Matúš Bero
- LW: Lukáš Haraslín
- ST: David Strelec
- RW: Dávid Ďuriš
Northern Ireland Predicted XI
- GK: Bailey Peacock-Farrell
- LB: Trai Hume
- CB: Daniel Ballard
- CB: Paddy McNair
- RB: Conor Bradley
- CM: Isaac Price
- CM: Ethan Galbraith
- CM: Paul Smyth
- LW: Justin Devenny
- ST: Dion Charles
- RW: Jamie Reid
Odds Analysis
- Slovakia Win: ~1.98 (implied ~51%)
- Draw: ~3.10-3.20
- Northern Ireland Win: ~4.20-4.50
- Under 2.5 Goals: Likely given recent form
- Both Teams to Score – No looks favourable, since Slovakia keep clean sheets at home.
Betting Tips
- Slovakia to Win – Strong home favourite.
- Slovakia to Win & Under 2.5 Goals – Value pick given tight nature.
- Both Teams to Score – NO – Slovakia likely to keep clean sheet.
- Correct Score: Slovakia 1-0 Northern Ireland – Based on most recent football predictions.
Score Prediction
Slovakia 1 – 0 Northern Ireland
Given Slovakia’s home form and Northern Ireland’s away struggles, this looks the most probable outcome.
Full Match Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Nov 2025 | Slovakia vs Northern Ireland | Košická futbalová aréna | ~19:45 UK / ~00:15 IST |
Final Thoughts
This is a high-stakes match for both teams in Group A. Slovakia hold the advantage thanks to stronger home form and squad depth. Northern Ireland are resilient but inconsistent away from home. Expect a cautious affair with Slovakia edging a win and keeping a clean sheet.
