Belarus face Northern Ireland in a League C3 clash in 2024-25 UEFA Nations League.
Victory would keep Belarus top of League C3, unless Bulgaria too win but by a bigger margin against Luxembourg in their teatime kick-off.
Northern Ireland can move into the top two with a win but will only go top if Bulgaria slip up in their game.
Team News
Belarus have a full squad available for selection.
Northern Ireland will be without first-choice goalkeeper, Bailey Peacock-Farrell who has withdrawn with a shoulder injury, and been replaced by Christy Pym.
Dan Ballard has also withdrawn due to injury.
When is Kick-Off?
Belarus host Northern Ireland at ZTE Arena, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, on Saturday 12 October at 8:45pm CEST (7:45pm UK Time), live on Viaplay YouTube channel.
Stat Attack
- This is Belarus’ first Nations League meeting against Northern Ireland, but are winless in three previous meetings in all competitions.
- Northern Ireland won 1-0 In their only previous away game against Belarus in June 2019.
- Belarus have scored one goal and conceded six goals in their three previous clashes against Northern Ireland.
- Belarus have kept three clean sheets in all competitions in 2024 (W1, D2, L3).
- Northern Ireland are unbeaten in three of five away matches in 2024 across all competitions (W2, D1, L2).
Prediction
It might feel easy to underestimate Belarus but given that they’re top and yet to concede in this group, they are genuine promotion contenders if can continue to play with resilience and a clinical edge.
Northern Ireland though have scored in five of six games this year but struggled to break down Bulgaria, who are probably as solid as Belarus defensively on their day so patience and composure will be key.
Belarus however are yet to win in this fixture and I do expect Northern Ireland to have learned from that loss to Bulgaria, but this will be close anyway.
Prediction: Belarus 1-1 Northern Ireland
Result: Belarus 0-0 Northern Ireland