Greece vs Northern Ireland
UEFA Nations League, KO: 19:45 Sep 27, 2022, Georgios Kamaras Stadium, Athens
NORTHERN IRELAND finally won their first Nations League match at the 15th attempt when they beat Kosovo on Saturday.
However, their reward for that was still being involved in a relegation dogfight after Cyprus stunned runaway group winners Greece with a shock 1-0 win in Larnaca.
And Northern Ireland go to Greece on Tuesday knowing they daren't go back to losing ways.
Ian Baraclough admitted he was a relieved man after Josh Magennis had scored a late winner to secure that elusive three points in the competition.
But with Kosovo on six points and the Northern Irish and Cypriots tied on five points, they could either finish second or last depending on what happens in the other game that night.
It's been a turbulent week for Baraclough and the Irish FA after Kyle Lafferty and Conor McMenamin were both sent home after video footage emerged and a defeat in Belfast could have seen the former Motherwell boss clinging to his job.
But they just about deserved to win and should travel to Athens with renewed confidence.
The Greeks had 71 per cent of possession in Cyprus, but couldn't even get a point. It ended a run of four straight wins without conceding a goal.
How the bookies view it
Greece are favourites but perhaps not as strong as you would think. In fact, they can be backed at odds-against at 21/20 with Boylesports.
Northern Irish fans can get 7/2 with BetVictor and the draw is 21/10 with 888Sport.
Recent head to heads
Greece eased to a 1-0 win in Belfast in the summer, but Northern Ireland managed a famous double over them on their way to qualifying for the Euro 2016 Finals.
Players to watch
Celtic striker Georgios Giakoumakis was suspended and badly missed in their defeat at Cyprus. Assuming he shrugs off a reported slight knock, he will be popular with punters at 21/10 with Betfred.
Josh Magennis was Northern Ireland's hero with that late winner and the Wigan striker is 7/2 to net with Paddy Power.
Anything else catch the eye?
Despite the corresponding results at the weekend, Greece look the classier team by some margin and punters should take advantage of them being generously priced here at odds-against.
They were on a terrific recent run up until that game and we can forgive them that defeat. They may not have to win, but they are a formidable unit in Athens and they can restrict a usually goal-shy Northern Ireland too.
Back them to win to nil at 2/1 with BetVictor.
This UEFA Nations League match between Greece and Northern Ireland will be played on Sep 27, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Greece vs Northern Ireland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
