Prediction: Northern Ireland vs Belarus

Prediction: Northern Ireland win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365

The road to UEFA Euro 2020 is upon us, as we say goodbye to the FIFA World Cup and look ahead to the future. This is the point of the year when a lot of players are starting to focus on the bookend of the domestic season, which should make several of these fixtures very interesting to watch. Today we’re going to be taking a look at Northern Ireland and Belarus who will square off this weekend, with both nations knowing that they need a big win considering they’re also in a group with the Netherlands and Germany.

Northern Ireland

The Northern Irish have been a little bit unlucky with their group draw here, but the fact that they were able to start off their campaign with a win is a great sign. They’ll know that they’re the underdogs and they’ll know everyone is already writing them off, so really, what have they got to lose? If they can make it six points from a possible six then they’ll set themselves up perfectly, although they can’t run the risk of looking past Belarus.

Team News

McGinn and Davis will both look to lead the line after impressive displays against Estonia.

Belarus

Prior to the game against the Netherlands, Belarus picked up five clean sheets in a row which is a pretty handy accomplishment. When you take a look at the quality of their opposition, though, it becomes clear as to why they were able to do so. There’s going to be a quick turnaround from the heavy loss against the Dutch but they need to do their best to put the result out of their minds as quickly as possible. If they can get physical with Northern Ireland and really get in their faces, they’ve got a chance.

Team News

Signevich will likely lead the line for Belarus, with Hleb being tipped for an appearance off the bench.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Windsor Park.
• Northern Ireland have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Belarus have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Northern Ireland have scored six goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Belarus have scored five goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

With one team coming off a win and the other coming off a loss you’d think this would be easy to predict – but it isn’t. These two nations have been on the outside looking in at the big dogs in Europe for quite some time now, and they’re both capable of making a big statement. We think that Northern Ireland are going to start off well in front of their home crowd, racing into a two goal lead. From that point on Belarus won’t be able to deal with them, as the home side push on towards another big win.

Prediction: Northern Ireland win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365