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Interesting Euro 2016 qualifier, as the top two teams in Group E will square off in Bucharest with the first place on the line.
Romania was pretty solid so far, winning 1-0 in Greece, drawing 1-1 at home with Hungary (unlucky) and winning a tough road game in Finland 2-0. The hosts do not have too many quality players but are playing decent football, based on tactical consistency and a rock solid defense. However, Romania`s coach Victor Piturca left a couple of weeks ago and the hosts will approach this match with a strange technical staff, composed of an old NT manager who has not coached in almost a decade (Anghel Iordanescu), helped by a couple of assistant coaches. This might hurt Romania badly – Piturca was a controversial manager because of his playing style and character, but the truth is he was one of the main reasons (in my opinion the biggest reason) for the recent good results, as the squad is poor.
Northern Ireland shocked everybody with their results so far, 3 wins in 3 games and not against anybody. They won 2-0 against Faroe but also got two huge road wins against Hungary (2-1) and Greece (2-0). A draw in Romania would be huge for the Northern Irish in their quest for a historic qualification, but they will hope their counter attacking potential will help them get another famous win.
Bet on Romania vs. Northern Ireland with the best Euro 2016 football odds at Pinnacle.
Team news & lineups
Romania will miss key striker Marica, there are a couple other injuries as well but not game changing – maybe only Tamas, as his absence will leave Romania without any decent options at right back. Captain Rat is doubtful. Northern Ireland have a massive absence themselves – captain Davies is out, along with Ward and McLaughin, with Hughes doubtful.
Romania: Tatarusanu – Papp, Chiriches, Grigore, Rat – Pintilii, Sanmartean– Torje, Chipciu, Tanase – B.Stancu
Northern Ireland: Carroll – McNair, McAulley, McCullough, Brunt – Norwood, Baird-Evans, Lund, McCourt – Lafferty
I have no doubt that Piturca leaving will be a serious handicap for Romania, especially with the very strange coaching staff that was appointed in his place. Don`t get me wrong, the hosts are still the favorites, but they might be a little chaotic tactically and this will fall right into Northern Ireland’s hands, as they will get the chance to intercept balls, launch counterattacks and create chances. This should be a struggle and if Romania wins it I reckon it will be very close, but I actually believe Northern Ireland will get a result, possibly even a win. My tip is Northern Ireland +0,75 asian handicap, we get half of our stakes back if Romania wins by 1. Prediction: Romania – Northern Ireland 1-1.
Pick: Northern Ireland (+0,75 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 2.24 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 9.92
Event date: 14 November
