Cyprus welcome Northern Ireland to AEK Arena in Group 2 of 2022-23 UEFA Nations League C.
Victory would see Cyprus move off the bottom of Group 2 at Northern Ireland’s expense and potentially in second depending on the result of Kosovo’s clash against Greece.
Northern Ireland meanwhile can stay third at minimum with a win although second place is possible depending on the result of Kosovo’s clash against Greece.
Team News
Cyprus have no fresh injury concerns to report following their defeat to Kosovo in midweek, with Hibernian’s Alex Gogic amongst players available for selection.
Northern Ireland also have no fresh injury concerns to report as the following five players all again look for a first senior international cap; Josh Clarke, Brodie Spencer, Caolan Boyd-Munce, Charlie McCann and Conor McMenamin.
Jonny Evans meanwhile could be rested as manager – Ian Baraclough looks to manage Evans’ fitness following an inconsistent injury-hit campaign.
Stat Attack
- Cyprus have won just one of six previous matches against Northern Ireland in all competitions (W1, D2, L3).
- Northern Ireland have avoided defeat in two of three previous visits to Cyprus across all competitions (W1, D1, L1).
- Ireland haven’t conceded in their last three meetings against Cyprus in all competitions (W1, D2), winning 3-0 in May 1973 before their last two clashes finished goalless in August 2002 and March 2014 respectively.
- Cyprus have scored twice in two of their last three home matches in all competitions.
- Northern Ireland are yet to win a match in the UEFA Nations League after 11 matches within this competition (D3, L8).
Prediction
Following a scrappy defeat against Kosovo on Thursday evening where they were simply outplayed in attack despite matching their visitors in most other aspects of play, Cyprus certainly will be eager to bounce back here with a strong performance given their recent home form.
Northern Ireland meanwhile seem cursed in this competition with no wins from 11 matches but if there is a match to end that dismal run, it surely has to be this game if they can tighten up their defending and clinically take chances which they failed to do against Greece on Thursday.
Both teams however have work to do so I am not expecting a spectacular contest by any stretch but this is Northern Ireland’s to lose given their form against Cyprus, yet the hosts certainly won’t make life easy if they play like they did against Kosovo.
Prediction: Cyprus 0-1 Northern Ireland
Result: Cyprus 0-0 Northern Ireland
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