NORTHERN IRELAND have a truly dismal record in the Nations League and under-pressure manager Ian Bataclugh could really do with a win against Kosovo in Belfast tonight.
The hosts are one of only three teams in Europe who have never won a Natiions League match and they sit in serious dangers of getting relegated from Group C2, locked on just two points from four games with Cyprus.
Former Motherwell manager Baraclugh is under real pressure after a horror run – they are winless in their five games against Hungary, Greece, Cyprus twice, Kosovo away and their punters have turned against him. The glory days of qualifying for the Euro 2016 finals look a long way away for them.
They are up against a dangerous Kosovo team although Alain Giresse's men do most of their best work at home and don't travel particularly well.
But they did beat Northern Ireland at home and did something that tonight's opponents couldn't manage – they went to Cyprus and won.
They also claimed a creditable draw in Switzerland in their last away game and are clearly no mugs. They are nailed on for second place in the grounp behind runaway leaders Greece.
How the bookies view it#
Northern Ireland are favourites here and can be backed at 39/29 with SBK. Kosovo are outsiders and are available at 9/4 with William Hill. The draw is 11/5 with Coral.
Recent head to heads
The nations have only met once and it was that summer encounter where Kosovo beat Northern Ireland 3-2 in June.
Players to watch
With Kyle Lafferty booted out of the Northern Ireland squad after this week's controversy, Blackpool striker Shayne Lavery could be asked to produce the goods tonight. He scored in Kosovo back in June but has only netted one goal for his club so far this season. He is 11/4 with Paddy Power to score anytime.
Kosovo's star man is Vedat Muriqi, who is on loan at Mallorca from Lazio. He scored twice against Northern Ireland in the summer and takes their penalties. He is 12/5 with Paddy Power to score on Saturday.
Anything else catch the eye?
It would take a brave man to back the hosts here even if they are favourites. They are lacking confidence and seem to be making little if any progress under Baraclough.
Kosovo could be value, but the chances are both teams may have to settle for a point apiece here – something that's happened in two of Northern Ireland's last three games.
Neither team look particularly well equipped to get goals here – in Northern Ireland's last 15 home games, they have only managed to score over one goal once and that was in their last game at home to Cyprus.
Try the hosts to score exactly one goal at 8/5 with bet365.
This UEFA Nations League match between Northern Ireland and Kosovo will be played on Sep 24, 2022 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Northern Ireland vs Kosovo prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
