Northern Ireland begin their UEFA Nations League campaign in Belfast on Thursday. Our Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg prediction considers whether it’ll be a winning start for Michael O'Neill’s side.
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Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg prediction: Hosts to claim narrow win to nil
Key stats
- Our Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg betting tips take into account that the visitors have been beaten to nil in each of their last three away games.
- It was three wins to nil from four games for Northern Ireland at home last season.
- Only one of Luxembourg’s last five games have seen both teams score.
Correct score prediction: Northern Ireland 1-0 Luxembourg
It has been a difficult few years for Northern Ireland, but there were clear signs of progress last term, with home victories, including an impressive 2-0 triumph over Denmark in Euro 2024 qualifying. If they can find that level again, they should see off Luxembourg who only won one of six away games in the 2023/24 season.
Pre-game odds and win probability: O'Neill’s side the clear favourites
- HOME: 21/20 (2.05) – 48.8%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.9%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The hosts are the favourites according to the Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg odds with an implied probability of 48.8% that they win the game.
They were last in action back in June, with a 2-0 friendly win over Andorra thanks to two goals from Conor Bradley.
Luxembourg haven’t played since losing 3-0 to neighbours Belgium in a friendly just before Euro 2024.
For more picks, today’s betting tips take a look at some of the best options from the action across Europe and beyond.
Most recent H2Hs: Just one win in five for Luxembourg
Our Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg prediction suggests we’ll get a repeat of a 2022 friendly between these sides which the Irish won 3-1. They’ve won three of the last five meetings overall.
Northern Ireland preview: A new dawn without Evans
Jonny Evans retired from international duty with more than 100 caps in June. There were few major surprises in this squad with every player having been capped previously.
Predicted Lineup: Peacock-Farrell (GK), Brown, Ballard, McNair, Lewis, Saville, Shea Charles, Bradley, Marshall, Smyth & Dion Charles
UEFA Nations League C 08/09/24 L Bulgaria 1 Northern Ireland 0 UEFA Nations League C 05/09/24 W Luxembourg 0 Northern Ireland 2 International Match 11/06/24 W Andorra 0 Northern Ireland 2 International Match 08/06/24 L Spain 5 Northern Ireland 1 Others 30/04/24 D Wales 0 Northern Ireland 0
Luxembourg preview: No place for Philipps
30-year-old Chris Philipps is the most experienced exclusion from this squad. 17-year-old Christophe Andrade Brites is a surprise call-up.
Predicted Lineup: Moris (GK), Carlson, Jans, Mahmutovic, Chanot, Dzogovic, Olesen, Martins, Thill, Sinani & Rodrigues
UEFA Nations League C 08/09/24 L Belarus 1 Luxembourg 0 UEFA Nations League C 05/09/24 L Northern Ireland 2 Luxembourg 0 International Match 08/06/24 L Belgium 3 Luxembourg 0 International Match 05/06/24 L France 3 Luxembourg 0 International Match 26/03/24 W Kazakhstan 1 Luxembourg 2
Player to watch – Conor Bradley
One of the bright young stars of Northern Irish football is Conor Bradley. The Liverpool player has enjoyed a more advanced role for his country and has scored three times in four international matches this year.
Bradley hungry for minutes
The 21-year-old has featured in all of Liverpool’s Premier League matches so far, but having clocked up only 44 minutes, he’ll be eager to get some meaningful game-time here.
