Prediction: Slovenia vs Northern Ireland

Verdict: Slovenia win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Seeking a much-needed qualifying boost on Thursday night, Northern Ireland will travel to Ljubljana when they meet Slovenia.

Slovenia

Starting with the hosts, while Slovenia might have opened their European Championship qualifying adventure back in March in the midst of an early flurry, Matjaz Kek’s side somewhat came crashing back down to earth last time out. Nevertheless, despite suffering a disappointing 2-0 loss at the hands of Finland on June 16th, the Whites have gained plenty of praise since opening up their Group H campaign. In fact, Slovenia have lost just one of their first four qualifying appearances and some in Kek’s camp have their sights set on mounting a genuine top-two charge. Knowing that a victory here could skyrocket them to the top of the Group H standings, Thursday’s hosts should still find the mood in their camp at a continued high. Likewise, suffering just a sole defeat from any of their previous five showdowns in front of their own supporters, Slovenia should be smelling the chance to claim a crucial victory here.

Team News

Atletico Madrid shot-stopper and skipper Jan Oblak will once again lead Slovenia out on Thursday night. Likewise, continuing to impress with German outfit RB Leipzig, Benjamin Sesko will spearhead Kek’s charge here.

Earning a first senior call-up this month, 23-year-old Celje striker Aljosa Matko could make his Slovenia debut in midweek. 30-year-old Erik Janza should once again start at left-back in Ljubljana.

Northern Ireland

As for the visitors, while Northern Ireland might have opened up their European Championship qualifying adventure dreaming of the chance to claim a top-two finish, Micheal O’Neil’s men have struggled to find any kind of Group H stability. Last seen signing off June’s international break with another nightmare display as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at home against Kazakhstan, the one-time Stokes boss does have some growing pressure on his shoulders. Likewise, with their recent issues highlighted by another 1-0 defeat against Finland back on March 26th, the Greens have lost each of their last three Group H appearances. Gaining a reputation for their extended issues in the final third and failing to notch a single strike on that three-match losing run, Thursday’s guests will know that they face another stern challenge when they return to qualifying duties here. It should also be noted, continuing on from last year, Northern Ireland have won just a pair of their last 11 matchups across all competitions.

Team News

Making a shock return to Manchester United this summer, Johnny Evans will feature on Thursday night. The ex-Leicester skipper will be partnered at the back by Paddy McNair here.

Making a move to Southampton in what could be a deal worth as much as £15million from Manchester City this summer, 19-year-old Shea Charles will earn a ninth international cap in Ljubljana.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met for a friendly showdown back in March 2016, Northern Ireland picked up a 1-0 victory on home soil.
• However, Thursday’s guests have lost each of their previous three Group H appearances by a 1-0 scoreline.
• Likewise, continuing on from last season, the Greens have won just a pair of their previous 11 matchups across all formats.
• Slovenia have suffered just a single defeat from any of their opening four Group H appearances.
• Likewise, the midweek hosts are unbeaten in each of their last five home fixtures across all competitions.

Conclusion

Suffering just a single Group H defeat this year and gaining a string of plaudits since opening up their European Championship qualifying campaign, Slovenia will certainly be smelling the chance to lay down a marker here. Knowing that they could find a route to the top of the Group H standings in midweek, Kek’s side should be relishing Northern Ireland’s arrival on Thursday night. With the Greens losing each of their last three qualifying showdowns by a 1-0 scoreline, they have also mustered just a pair of victories from any of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions.

Verdict: Slovenia win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet