Northern Ireland take on the visitors Slovenia in the round 8 match of group stage of UEFA Euro-2024 qualification. The match will be played on Tuesday, October 17th at Windsor Park (Belfast).
Northern Ireland's footballers have had a disappointing performance in the current Euro 2024 qualification cycle. There was no serious competition for the top two spots, and the only victories the Green and White Army can boast of are against the European minnow, San Marino (2-0 and 3-0). Even in a match against such an opponent, the British couldn't score many goals, and the Over 3.5 goals line was not reached. They have lost to potential competitors in the fight for a spot in the major tournament. They were defeated twice by Kazakhstan with a similar score of 0-1, lost with the same score to Finland and Denmark. They also experienced a loss to Slovenia (2-4), and it was the only game in this qualification cycle when a bet on Under 3.5 goals involving Northern Ireland did not win.
| 2 x £10 Free Bet | Review | |||
| 100$-500$ for No Lose Free Bets | Review | |||
| 100% up to £200 | Review | |||
| Not available | Review |
Last week, Slovenia's national team convincingly defeated Finland (3-0) at home and pulled ahead of them and Kazakhstan by four points in the table. Their chances of qualifying for Euro have significantly improved, and by additional metrics, Myatja Kek's team even surpasses Denmark and leads the group. However, at this moment, that's not the most important thing. What matters is that in five out of seven matches in the current qualification cycle, Slovenia has played with Under 3.5 goals, including victories over Finland (3-0), Kazakhstan (2-1), San Marino (2-0), a draw with Denmark (1-1), and a loss to Finland (0-2). I believe it's unlikely to see more than three goals scored between Northern Ireland and Slovenia. Additionally, Slovenia is unlikely to lose; they are objectively stronger and have performed impressively throughout this Euro qualification.
Yes, we all remember the entertaining match these teams played in Slovenia back in September when they scored six goals together. However, that was an exception to the rule, and there is a rule that neither the British nor the Slovenians can be described as super-strong attacking teams. Northern Ireland, in particular, has problems with their attack. In this current Euro qualification cycle, the Green and White Army more often leaves the field without scoring than they upset their opponents. For Slovenia, there's no need to go all out in the attack at the moment; they've secured a lead in the standings, and all that's left is to maintain it. Excessive aggression in the attack could lead to unnecessary mistakes in defense. For the hosts, the remaining matches in the group are essentially friendly. That's why I assume we won't see an entertaining match here. It's because one team doesn't really need it, while the other has no motivation, and they are also inferior to their opponent in terms of skill. I consider the British weaker at the moment. Therefore, my bet is X2 + Under 3.5 goals.
Prediction for the match: Slovenia not to lose and Under 3.5 scored goals.
