Luxembourg host Northern Ireland at Stade de Luxembourg in an international friendly fixture.
This match marks the first of two international friendlies for both teams this month with Luxembourg set to then face Bosnia & Herzegovina next week, whilst Northern Ireland takes on Hungary.
Team News
Luxembourg have no fresh injury concerns to report as Gerson Rodrigues looks to lead the line in attack.
Northern Ireland will be without Matty Kennedy after he withdrew from the squad with a back injury, with Caolan Boyd-Munce called up as a replacement for his first senior cap.
Trai Hume could also be in line for his debut but Bailey Peacock-Farrell (unspecified) and Paddy McNair (foot) are ruled out, whilst Conor Bradley (knee) is a doubt.
Stat Attack
- Luxembourg have lost both of their two previous international friendlies against Northern Ireland.
- Northern Ireland have won their only previous away friendly against Luxembourg, winning 3-1 in February 2000.
- Luxembourg are yet to keep a clean sheet against Northern Ireland in all competitions.
- Luxembourg have lost their last two home matches without scoring, during which they conceded four goals which all came after half-time.
- Northern Ireland have won two of their last four friendlies (W2, L2).
Prediction
Despite enjoying three well-played wins in 2021, Luxembourg remain a team who lack the defensive quality to match their attacking ability so this is the ideal chance for the home team to experiment with their defensive tactics.
Northern Ireland meanwhile come into this match off the back of an excellent goalless draw against Italy in November, where they defended well but Peacock-Farrell will be a huge loss in goal but this is a great chance for Conor Hazard or Luke Southwood to step up and impress.
I am therefore anticipating plenty of experimentation amongst both teams but if Northern Ireland can find their goalscoring boots quickly, I fancy them to have the edge here in what should be a competitive encounter.
Prediction: Luxembourg 1-2 Northern Ireland
Result: Luxembourg 1-3 Northern Ireland
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