NEW Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has a tough act of follow as he takes charge for the first time in Friday's trip to Romania.
Previous incumbent Michael O'Neill's eight-year tenure ended in April and included leading the country to Euro 2016, their first major finals in 32 years.
O'Neill's side were more than the sum of their parts, and prided themselves on being solid, stuffy and punching above their weight.
Having stepped up from his role as Under-21s boss, it remains to be seen if Baraclough's NI side will continue in the same vein or seek to play a more expansive game.
His debut game at the helm is a tricky Nations League opener away to Romania in a group that also features Austria and Norway.
Both the Irish and Romanians have a Euro 2020 play-off to prepare for next month, with the Nations League providing ideal match practice.
And the hosts are also under new management, with Cosmin Contra having been axed after failing to secure an automatic Euros spot and Mirel Radoi appointed in his place.
How do the bookies view it?
Romania have failed to win their last two home outings – drawing with Norway before a 2-0 defeat by Sweden – and are 6-5 at bet365 to begin the Radoi era with three points.
A Northern Ireland success pays 14-5 at Betfair, while the draw is 23-10 with Unibet.
Betting Angles
With both teams eager to impress new managers, it's the hosts who can shade this one, and odds against is a price worth taking.
Goals could be in short supply, with Northern Ireland far from prolific and neither side have played since November.
Back the game to be a draw at half-time at even money with Unibet, and consider Romania to keep a clean sheet at 11-8 with bet365.
Rangers midfielder Ianis Hagi has yet to break his duck at international level after 10 Romania caps but will hope to do so here.
He is fond of letting fly from anywhere in and around the box and is 7-2 with Boylesports to net any time, while Northern Ireland striker Kyle Laffterty is 16-5 with Betway.
This UEFA Nations League match between Romania and Northern Ireland will be played on Sep 4, 2020 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Romania vs Northern Ireland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
