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Northern Ireland will take on Romania at Windsor Park, in a meeting between the top two teams of Group F. Both teams are very close to qualifying for Euro 2014, holding a 5 points (Romania) and 4 points (Northern Ireland) advantage over the third place, held by Hungary.
Northern Ireland fully took advantage of Greece’s struggles in this campaign and is now in a very good spot for qualification, just 1 point behind group leaders Romania. The hosts are on the back of a 1-1 friendly draw against Qatar but have 4 wins out of 5 matches in the qualifying group – only losing in Bucharest, where they were clearly outplayed by today`s opponents, Romania.
The visitors are virtually qualified for the finals, a win or even a draw in Belfast will pretty much send them to Euro 2016. Despite changing the manager and not having too much quality in the team, Romania has played with great tactical consistency and also benefited from an easy group in order to claim 4 wins and 1 draw in 5 matches. Romania actually hasn`t lost a game in more than 1 year.
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Team news & lineups:
Northern Ireland has no injuries or suspensions and will rely on Premier League stars like Davies, Lafferty, Brunt or Evans, while Romania has big problems with injuries. The visitors will miss regular keeper Pantilimon, two first choice defenders in Gardos and Rat, team captain and best striker Marica and important midfielders Sanmartean and Tanase. All these players were expected to be in the starting lineup in normal circumstances, so it`s safe to say that Romania misses more than half of its starting lineup. Stanciu is also out, while Andone is questionable.
UPDATE: Roy Carroll got injured in the training session, McGovern will likely start in goal.
Northern Ireland: Carroll McGovern – McLaughlin, McAuley, Hughes, Brunt – Evans – Davis, Baird, Norwood, Ward – Lafferty
Romania: Tatarusanu – Papp, Chiriches, Grigore, Sepsi – Prepelita, Pintilii – Torje, Maxim, Chipciu – Keseru
This game has a draw written all over it, it`s a very balanced match on paper (considering the venue and Romania’s missings), but most of all a draw would be the perfect result for each side in the attempt to qualify for Euro 2016. Romania dominated in Bucharest, but playing in Great Britain will be a totally different scenario and the visitors will surely be hurt by all those injuries.
I expect a draw result, but my tip will be Draw – Northern Ireland no bet, which means we win with a draw and get our money back if Northern Ireland wins – an insurance in case Romania won’t be able to cope with the long injury list. Prediction: Northern Ireland – Romania 1-1.
Pick: Draw – Northern Ireland win no bet
Odds: 2.10 @ Bwin
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8.80
Event date: 13 June
