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Verdict: Northern Ireland win
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Luckster
Hoping to make it back-to-back Nations League victories on Friday night, Northern Ireland will welcome Belarus to Belfast.
Northern Ireland
Starting with the hosts, while Northern Ireland might have endeared a real EURO 24 qualifying struggle last year, the Greens certainly haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. Getting their Nations League adventure underway with a 2-0 victory at home against Luxembourg, Michael O’Neil’s men also laid down what was a major statement last time out. Putting in what was a sensational performance in Belfast as they stormed their way to a 5-0 romp against Bulgaria, the former Stoke boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Marking their return on Friday night holding a one-point buffer at the top of the table, Northern Ireland have suffered just a single defeat from any of their first four Nations League appearances. It should also be noted, the Greens have conceded just a single goal in any of those four consecutive showdowns.
Team News
Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the first time for the forthcoming Nations League double-header against Belarus and Luxembourg. Likewise, Brighton youngster Ruairi McConville has received a maiden senior call up and could feature at the heart of O’Neil’s defence.
Making the move to Birmingham last summer, former Burnley goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell will start between the sticks. Liverpool defender Conor Bradley will once again be deployed in a right wing-back role on Friday night.
Belarus
As for the visitors, although Belarus might have sprung a EURO 24 qualifying upset last year as they enjoyed a real flurry, the White Wings have struggled to find any real stability over recent times. Suffering a late collapse last time out as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate against Luxembourg, Carlos Alos’ men have now recorded just a single victory from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Signing off their pre-Nations League adventure with a 4-0 drumming at the hands of Israel, Belarus have also shown some extended issues in the final third. Getting their League C campaign underway with a 0-0 stalemate against Bulgaria on September 5th, Friday’s guests have recorded just a pair of goals so far this calendar year.
Team News
In what was a shock announcement last week, Artem Kontsevoy has been omitted from Belarus’ squad and will not feature over the next fortnight. However, playing his domestic football with Russian outfit Rotor Volgograd, Dmitry Prishchepa has received a maiden senior call up.
While veteran striker Yevgeny Shikavka might still be waiting to open his Ekstraklasa account, the 32-year-old will keep his spot leading the line in Belfast.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Northern Ireland and Belarus met for their reverse Nations League showdown on October 12th, Friday’s opponents played out a 0-0 stalemate in Zalaegerszeg.
- Northern Ireland have lost just a pair of their previous nine appearances across all competitions.
- The Greens have conceded just a single goal in any of their four Nations League appearances.
- Northern Ireland have won all of their last four straight showdowns in Belfast by an aggregate score of 11-0.
- Belarus have recorded just a single win from any of their previous eight matchups across all formats.
Conclusion
While some in Northern Ireland’s camp might have been left frustrated last month as they eventually had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate in Zalaegerszeg, the Greens should be smelling a golden opportunity here. Gaining a reputation for their continued success at the back and laying down a real marker last time out as they stormed their way to a 5-0 romp against Bulgaria, Friday’s hosts have also embarked on a real purple patch in Belfast. Winning all of their previous four straight showdowns on home soil by an aggregate score of 11-0, we are backing a home victory this weekend.
Verdict: Northern Ireland win
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Luckster