Slovakia vs Northern Ireland Betting Tips
Northern Ireland head to Slovakia on Friday still in with a chance of qualifying for next summer's World Cup finals in North America.
Group A has come to a boil nicely with a three-way scrap between leaders Germany, second-placed Slovakia and Northern Ireland to secure the top two places.
With two games to go, it's all to play for and Northern Ireland must avoid defeat in Trnava on Friday in a crucial contest which kicks-off at 7.45pm.
Tip 1 - Slovakia to win & both teams score @ 18/5
Northern Ireland start the final two rounds of matches in a strong position but their World Cup hopes could be dashed by a defeat in Slovakia on Friday evening.
The Green and White Army have enjoyed a solid campaign but two defeats to Germany and a poor away record have them trailing the Germans and Slovakia with two games to go.
Slovakia are largely ahead of Northern Ireland courtesy of a stunning win over Germany in September and they can make the most of their advantage with a decisive win over Northern Ireland this weekend.
A nervy start looks likely but Slovakia to win a contest in which both teams score looks a solid bet.
Northern Ireland got the better of this week's opponents with a 2-0 home victory last month but they have won just two of their last 13 matches on the road. That doesn't bode well against a side who have scored in nine of their last 10 home matches.
A draw could be one option but backing the home side to edge it with goals at each end could pay off. Northern Ireland have scored in four consecutive away games and they could make their mark in a fixture which could end in huge disappointment.
Tip 2 - Slovakia to win 2-1 @ 15/2
Slovakia to win 2-1 appears a likely outcome in this crucial World Cup qualifier and the 15/2 looks cracking value.
The Falcons have won three of their six meetings with Northern Ireland and on two occasions they won by a 2-1 scoreline.
Francesco Calzona's side have bagged just five goals in their four matches but they will know this is a key contest in which they can edge closer to the finals and that could see them lift their game to claim a crucial three points.
Tip 3 - Over 1.5 Slovakia goals @ 27/20
Slovakia have scored exactly two goals in each of their last two home outings and backing them to extend that sequence with another brace could pay off.
Luxembourg and Germany were the two victims on those occasions and Northern Ireland may be the latest side to succumb to a double whammy.
Slovakia have scored in nine of their last 10 home matches and they may be keen to kick on once again with so much at stake in this contest.
Northern Ireland can play their part in what could be a lively affair, but Slovakia's cutting edge may prove decisive.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change.
