Kazakhstan vs Northern Ireland Predictions

• Northern Ireland have lost four straight games, losing 4-2 in Slovenia earlier this week
• Kazakhstan have won three of their last four games in qualifying
• The hosts have conceded in all three of their home games in this group

NI floundering

The hope surrounding Michael O’Neill’s return to the Northern Ireland setup has quickly gone, with his side losing four straight matches after a 2-0 win at San Marino. NI have struggled with injury through this group, which cost them the possibility of a push for qualification.

When O’Neill arrived, it looked like this group was open for NI to make a charge to qualify. While early narrow losses to Finland and Denmark were understandable, the 1-0 loss to Kazakhstan in Belfast in June was a hammer blow to any hope they had of competing.

Fresh from a 4-2 loss in Slovenia earlier this week, O’Neill’s side are bound for Astana on Sunday knowing they’re out of the running to make Euro 2024. With that hope gone, will an already bad situation take a turn for the worse?

Hosts on a high

Kazakhstan’s win in Belfast was their third in this group and that’s put them in the mix for a spot at the Euros. However, the hosts did suffer a defeat to Finland earlier this week which was a bit of a setback. They’ve now conceded in all four home games in qualifying.

Given where the pair sit in the table, Kazakhstan will see this as an opportunity to stay in the frame for a top-two finish. With three wins in their last four, they are capable of turning over an NI side plagued by key injuries. The visitors are struggling to get their current group to gel and after four straight defeats morale has to be low.

Kazakhstan have struggled at the back and with the visitors fresh off a 4-2 away defeat in their last game, goals could follow here. Given that, look to the huge price available on a home win and both teams to score.