Northern Ireland vs Kazakhstan predictions: Kazakhs can maintain momentum
- Kazakhstan are level with Denmark, Finland and Slovenia at the top of Group H
- Northern Ireland have lost three of their last four games
- Recommended bet: Kazakhstan win or draw double chance
On the back of Euro 2024 qualifying wins over Denmark and San Marino, Kazakhstan will be confident they can get something from their trip to Northern Ireland on Monday night.
Kazakhstan caused a stir across the international game after trailing Denmark 2-0 with less than 20 minutes remaining, only to fight back and win 3-2 at the Astana Arena back in March.
Backing it up with a regulation 3-0 win over San Marino, Kazakhstan have put themselves in the unlikely position of reaching the European Championship in Germany next summer.
If Northern Ireland are to stand any hope of reaching the major tournament they need to start picking up wins quickly, but this will be no easy match for manager Michael O'Neill and his side on Monday night.
Team news
Northern Ireland will have to continue without a number of senior players, with the likes of Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas, Corry Evans, Josh Magennis and Conor Washington all ruled out through injury.
O'Neill is hoping Watford defender Craig Cathcart will be available for Monday after missing the trip to Copenhagen due to a back spasm.
As for Kazakhstan, Bakhtiyor Zaynutdinov is pushing for a starting role after coming off the bench to score against San Marino.
The visitors are also boosted by the availability of star striker Abat Aymbetov, who is set to return after his one-match suspension.
The stats
Monday's clash will be the first time these nations have faced each other in an international game.
Northern Ireland are currently on a poor run of form, suffering three defeats in their last four outings, while failing to score in either of their last two games.
O'Neill's side have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven matches and that was against minnows San Marino.
Kazakhstan have managed to keep one clean sheet in their last nine matches, and like Monday night's opponents, that was also against San Marino.
Prediction
Considering the contrasting form of the two teams, and Kazakhstan's recent back-to-back wins, the visitors look capable of getting something out of this clash in Belfast.
Northern Ireland have been struggling to shut out teams of late and with Aymbetov set to return for Kazakhstan, the away side will be given a boost in attack.
With a chance to make history by reaching a first European Championships edging closer, Kazakhstan are capable of taking at least a point home with them, before back-to-back home games against Finland and Northern Ireland in September.
