Northern Ireland welcome Norway to Windsor Park, Belfast in their Nations League B1 clash as both teams look to bounce back from disappointing results on Friday evening.
Ireland had scrapped for a point in a 1-1 draw with Romania whilst Norway sit bottom of the group, after losing 2-1 to Austria who currently sit top of the group, meaning that victory could send either team top depending on what happens in Austria’s clash with Romania.
Team News
Josh Magennis is ruled out for Northern Ireland as he serves an one match ban after being sent off in Friday’s draw against Romania.
Norway have no fresh injury concerns to report with a full squad available for selection.
Stat Attack
- Northern Ireland have won just two of nine previous meetings with Norway in all competitions (W2, L7).
- Norway have won five of seven trips to Northern Ireland (W5, L2).
- Ireland have kept three clean sheets in their last five home matches in all competitions (W3, D1, L1).
Prediction
Northern Ireland were defensively poor against Romania on Friday and it could of easily been a three or four goal loss if it wasn’t for Bailey Peacock-Farrell producing an excellent display in front of goal, but they do need to get forward more because Norway do possess enough quality going forward to really take advantage of Ireland’s defensive woes if they aren’t careful.
I therefore expect to see a change of tactics to try and guard against the threat of Erling Haaland, although I do sadly feel that Norway will have too much for Northern Ireland here regardless of another quality performance from Peacock-Farrell or not.
Prediction: Northern Ireland 0-2 Norway
Result: Northern Ireland 1-5 Norway