There’s no Premier League action this weekend due to the international break and one of the most intriguing games involving the home nations on Friday sees Northern Ireland take on Serbia in a Euro 2012 qualifier – a crucial match for Nigel Worthington’s side as they try and keep their hopes of a making it to a major tournament once again alive.
Northern Ireland have never featured at a European Championships and have not made the finals of a major tournament since the World Cup in Mexico in 1986, but their current campaign represents their best chance in many a year.
Before the Windsor Park showdown against Serbia they sit third in Group C, a point ahead of Friday’s opponents and two points behind second-place Slovenia with a game in hand.
The morale-boosting 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands earlier this month has left Worthington’s side in with a great chance of progressing through the group and booking their place in Poland and Ukraine next year, but it is the final three qualifying games that will obviously prove critical.
Following Friday’s clash in Belfast, they take on Estonia – also at home – before finishing their schedule with a daunting away game at current Group leaders Italy.
So, with that in mind, getting a victory over Serbia looks even more important if they are to keep the dream alive.
Northern Ireland have been in this position in their group before only to capitulate in the final games to miss out on qualification and Worthington will have his side pumped up for Friday in front of what is usually a passionate home support.
He is preparing for the game, however, with major doubts hanging over the fitness of both Kyle Lafferty and Pat McCourt. If the pair, who scored two each in the Faroe Islands win, miss out then it will be a major blow to the boss and he will have to rely on the likes of experienced duo David Healy and Chris Brunt to find the goals that would secure a win.
They are viewed as underdogs, despite home advantage, and 2/1 looks appealing with Northern Ireland likely to go all out for the victory but Serbia (11/10) will be a tough proposition.
It’s a tough one to call, this, but the draw at 9/4 does represent good value while a punt on Healy to score anytime at 7/2 is also well worth a shot.
Prediction: draw @ 9/4
Value bet: 2-2 @ 14/1
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