Overview

• Kick-off is 19:45 BST at Windsor Park, with free-to-air coverage on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC Two, and streaming on BBC iPlayer from 19:30.
• Slovakia top Group A with six points after beating Germany and Luxembourg, while Northern Ireland are on three and can draw level with a home win.
• Key Slovak figures Stanislav Lobotka and David Hancko face late fitness doubts, adding uncertainty to Francesco Calzona’s selection.
• Michael O’Neill’s squad is bolstered by returns from injury, including Daniel Ballard, with veteran Josh Magennis recalled, though goalkeeper Pierce Charles remains out with a shoulder issue.
• Northern Ireland are unbeaten in their past six at Windsor Park and O’Neill has urged the crowd to drive the young side, as bookmakers and pundits offer split predictions on the outcome.