Verdict: Away Win
Best Odds: 7/4
Bookmaker: 888sport
Korea Republic begin their 2018 FIFA World Cup preparations on Saturday afternoon in Belfast where they will take on injury-hit Northern Ireland who start a new chapter following a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.
Northern Ireland
The game at Windsor Park against South Korea is the first match for Northern Ireland since their World Cup play-off disappointment against Switzerland. Having finished the group stage of the qualifying process as Group C runners-up behind leaders Germany, North Ireland were pitted against Switzerland in two-legged play-offs between the second-placed teams.
With only one goal making a difference between the two sides during the 180 minutes, North Ireland were left without a chance to get to their second consecutive major international competition following the 2016 European Championship. At the beginning of a new chapter for the Northern Ireland national team, manager Michael O’Neill’s 24-man roster has been reduced to 20 players with four first-team players forced to pull out with injuries. O’Neill could consider some of the Under-21 players to his squad as he looks to balance the numbers available without putting too much of a pressure on key players at a delicate part of the season.
Team News
Jordan Jones and Jamal Lewis are set to be rewarded with a place in the first team due to the unfavourable injury situation Michael O’Neill is faced with.
Steven Davies, Niall McGinn, Stuart Dallas and Kyle Lafferty were all forced to withdraw from the team due to injuries.
Korea Republic
Having reached the World Cup for the ninth time in a row, Korea Republic begins preparation for the big event in Russia. The North Ireland clash will act as a simulation match for Shin Tae-yong’s men ahead of their match against Sweden at the beginning of the World Cup.
Korea Republic has been pitted against Sweden, Germany and Mexico in Group F and face a daunting task standing as the biggest underdogs in their group. The game in Belfast with be the two teams’ first international encounter at any age level and it the game which is gaining plenty of attention back in South Korea. The Koreans warmed up for the Northern Ireland challenge with games against Moldova, Jamaica and Latvia in January, whereas they also used domestic K league 1-based players as well to gear up for the forthcoming clash. After the Saturday’s game at Windsor Park, Shin Tae-yong’s men will play against Poland next Tuesday. All eyes during the forthcoming clash will be on Son Heung-min, the Tottenham star player, who’s been in fine form of late. The 25-year old has thus far amassed 18 goals this season, 12 of which were scored in the Premier League.
Team News
Son Heung-min, Lee Keun-ho and Hwang Hee-chan are expected to lead the line for South Korea. Swansea City ace Ki Sung-yueng and Crystal Palace star Lee Chung-yong are also expected to feature.
Lee Keun-ho has sustained a bruise in a K-League match last weekend but is expected to be available for selection.
Key Factors to Consider
- North Ireland and South Korea meet for the first time ever at an international level
- North Ireland lost three of their four last matches, failing to win any of them
- South Korea is unbeaten in last eight international matches, since November 2017
- South Korea won only two of their last ten matches on the road
- Northern Ireland will be without 4 first-team players due to injury problems
Conclusion
Northern Ireland has been disappointed to miss out on the upcoming World Cup and seem not to be over a play-offs heartbreak against Switzerland. In combination with injury problems that will keep four first-team stars out of contention, the poor atmosphere could be a defining factor in backing the motivated Koreans for a win in Belfast.
Verdict: Away Win
Best Odds: 7/4
Bookmaker: 888sport
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