Slovenia vs Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s last-ditch attempt to reignite their pursuit of a place at next year’s Euro 2024 takes them to Ljubljana’s Stadion Stozice to encounter Slovenia.

It’s been over two decades since Slovenia last secured a berth at the European Championship finals, but their long wait could end this year. However, it’s still a long shot, even though they start this round only two points adrift of Group H leaders Finland and Kazakhstan. Following back-to-back two-goal margin wins at the beginning of this qualifying cycle, Matjaz Kek’s men have gone winless in their last two qualifiers (D1, L1), conceding before the halftime interval on both occasions. Playing on home turf could inspire confidence in Kek’s corner, considering his lads are unbeaten in their last five home outings (W3, D2) despite netting under 2.5 goals each time. The outcome of this contest may hinge on the opening goal, considering Slovenia’s only previous home H2Hs against Northern Ireland have seen the winner keep a clean sheet (W1, L1).

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for only their second European Championship could be dead in the water if they fail to take some points home. After a routine 2-0 win at continental underachievers San Marino in their Group H opener, the visitors have slumped to three consecutive qualifying losses, all of which yielded an identical 1-0 scoreline. Their last two qualifying failures have seen a goalless halftime score, suggesting much of the action should come in the second half. Unfortunately for head coach Michael O’Neil, his men are more likely to be on the receiving end, given the abovementioned win at San Marino remains their only triumph across their last seven competitive away matches (D1, L5).