Football Bet Of The Day: Dan Childs has a strong fancy in World Cup qualifying

Don't miss our Football Bet of the Day, where one member of Racing Post Sport's top tipping team offers their best bet from the daily action.

Football tipster Dan Childs has studied Friday's coupon and his best bet comes from the World Cup qualifying fixture between Slovakia and Northern Ireland.

Friday's Football Bet of the Day

Slovakia

Slovakia vs Northern Ireland
World Cup qualifying Group A, 7.45pm Friday

Northern Ireland have looked a decent side since the start of World Cup qualifying but their quest for a top-two finish in Group A could come to an end with a loss to Slovakia in Kosice.

Michael O'Neill's side had a mixed month in October – winning 2-0 at home to Slovakia and losing 1-0 at home to Germany.

They performed well on both occasions but are in a tight spot with three points separating themselves from the Slovaks and section leaders Germany.

Northern Ireland were worthy winners against Slovakia in Belfast, but they are missing four key players for this return match with Pierce Charles, Shea Charles and Ali McCann injured and Ethan Galbraith serving a one-game ban.

Slovakia should sense an opportunity and they are boosted by the availability of Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, who has shaken off a groin injury.

The Slovaks have won both home games, including a 2-0 triumph at home to Germany, and they can claim a vital three points to guarantee a minimum top-two finish.

Odds: 21-20 Coral, Ladbrokes

Read more from our football experts:

Slovakia vs Northern Ireland predictions, team news, betting tips, odds and Bet Builder 

Friday's World Cup 2026 qualifying predictions: Disciplined Dutch can finish the job  

Click for free bets and betting offers from the Racing Post

Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are handpicked and come from operators our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing and sports betting.