Prediction: Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg

Verdict: Northern Ireland win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Luckster

Getting their Nations League adventure underway on Thursday night, Northern Ireland will welcome Luxembourg to Belfast.

Northern Ireland

Starting with the hosts, although Northern Ireland might have endured a real EURO 24 qualifying struggle last year, Michael O’Neil’s men do appear to have turned a recent corner. Signing off their downbeat qualifying campaign with a famous 2-0 victory against Denmark, the Greens should be relishing a return to action on Thursday night. Last seen during June’s international break with a routine 2-0 win against Andorra, the former Stoke boss has seen his squad lose just one of their previous five appearances across all competitions. With a 5-1 loss at the hands of reigning European champions Spain their only defeat since the middle of November, Northern Ireland should take plenty of positives away from their bright start to 2024. Claiming a sensational 1-0 win away at British rivals Scotland on March 26th, O’Neil’s side should be smelling a potential opportunity here.

Team News

Despite all missing out during June’s international break, the likes of Millwall midfielder George Saville and former Manchester United youngster Paddy McNair have been handed a full recall this month. Likewise, making a summer move to Cambridge United, Shayne Lavery has also been rewarded with a return to O’Neil’s squad.

However, Stevenage striker Jamie Reid misses out through injury, while St Mirren winger Conor McMenamin is also nursing a recent knock. Now plying his trade with Birmingham, Bailey Peacock-Farrell will start between the sticks on Thursday night.

Luxembourg

As for the visitors, although Luxembourg might have sprung a real EURO 24 qualifying upset last year as they secured a bronze medal finish in Group J, the Red Lions have largely come crashing back down to earth. Last seen back on June 8th slumping to a routine 3-0 drumming at the hands of European giants Belgium, Luc Holtz’s side have lost three of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Watching their famous qualifying adventure come to an end during March’s international break as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Georgia, Luxembourg should be concerned by a downbeat record against Thursday’s hosts. Hit with a 3-1 loss when they welcomed Northern Ireland to town back in March 2022, they have also registered just a single win from any of their five historic battles.

Team News

In what was a shock announcement last week, Olivier Thill has been omitted from Holtz’s squad and will not feature on Thursday night. Likewise, both serving respective suspensions, Luxembourg will be without the duo of St. Pauli star Danel Sinani and Los Angeles defender Maxime Chanot in Belfast.

Still dealing with a long-term injury issue, Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Yvandro Borges Sanches remains on the sidelines and will not play any part over the next fortnight. Despite only featuring for the Red Lions’ U17s squad, Christophe Brites has been called up to the senior squad.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Northern Ireland and Luxembourg last met back in March 2022 for a friendly showdown, the Greens collected a 3-1 victory on foreign soil.
• Likewise, the Greens have lost just one of their five historic meetings against Luxembourg.
• The Red Lions have lost three of their previous four appearances.
• Luxembourg have lost all of their last three showdowns on foreign soil by an aggregate score of 8-0.
• Including a 2-0 win against Denmark back in November, Northern Ireland have won three of their previous four appearances in Belfast.

Conclusion

Signing off 2023 with a stunning 2-0 victory against Denmark, Northern Ireland should be relishing a return to action on Thursday night. Last seen during June’s international break collected a 2-0 win against Andorra, O’Neil’s side should be smelling a potential opportunity here. Landing a 3-1 romp when they last met Luxembourg for a friendly showdown back in March 2022, they have also lost just one of their five historic battles against the Red Lions. Looking to lay down an early Nations League marker in midweek, we are expecting a home victory here.

Verdict: Northern Ireland win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Luckster