NORTHERN IRELAND boss Michael O'Neill admitted this week he regards their Euro 2024 qualifiers as a ‘missed opportunity' after a dismal qualifying campaign.
But they at least have the equivalent of a penalty kick without facing a keeper when they play San Marino on Saturday.
There was plenty of optimism around the Ulster nation's fans when they were drawn against Denmark, Slovenia, Finland, Kazakhstan and San Marino in Group H.
However, five straight defeats have all but ended their qualification hopes with four games remaining.
They received a boost this week with Belfast was named as one of the venues for the Euro 2028 finals and with qualification not a given for all five hosts, they will have to improve.
Northern Ireland should at least collect the mandatory three points when they face the world's worst nation this weekend.
San Marino sit without a care in the world in their usual position of last after six games, six defeats and no goals. So far, they've managed to avoid being on the end of a cricket score apart from losing 6-0 in Helsinki.
The last time they avoided a defeat in any game was against Saint Lucia in a friendly last November and of course, they have famously never won a competitive match and their last success came 19 years ago against Liechtenstein.
How the bookies view it
Northern Ireland are 1/250 in places although bet365 are prepared to really stick their necks out by offering a tempting 1/66…
San Marino can be backed at 70/1 with William Hill and the draw is 30/1 with Paddy Power.
Recent head to heads
In the corresponding fixture in the group, Northern Ireland ‘only' won 2-0 in Serraville. They have played each other five times and Northern Ireland have won them all without conceding a goal.
Players to watch
Goals have been a real problem for Northern Ireland this campaign although they did score two in Slovenia…and still lost 4-2.
Former Everton kid Isaac Price scored one of those goals and also netted on the weekend for Standard Liege. He is evens to score on Saturday.
Captain and talisman for the visitors is Matteo Vitaioli who has managed to score one goal is 87 appearances…as a striker. The La Fiorita hitman is 14/1 to score anytime with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
As usual with any San Marino game it's about judging how much they will get thrashed by. And in the case of goal-shy Northern Ireland, it's unlikely to be by that much.
Confidence will be at a low after five defeats on the bounce and they will have to show some attacking ingenuity and creativity to break down the 11-man wall in front of them.
Go for a home win and under 4.5 goals at 19/20 with BetVictor. It could be a frustrating afternoon for the hosts, who only managed four shots on and four shots off target in the home game.
San Marino never changes the way they play and have plenty of experience at frustrating teams. It might not be until the second half until they tire. Back the no-hopes with a two-goal start in the first half handicap at 11/10 with bet365.
This Euro 2024 match between Northern Ireland and San Marino will be played on Oct 14, 2023 and kick off at 13:00. Check below for our tipsters best Northern Ireland vs San Marino prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
