Romania vs Northern Ireland Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips – 22/03/2024

22/03/24 - 19:45

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Romania - Northern Ireland

International Match

Romania are set to face Northern Ireland on Friday, 22 March with the hosts looking to ramp up their preparation for Euro 2024. The tournament in Germany will be Romania's first major tournament in eight years after getting knocked out in the group stages at Euro 2016. Northern Ireland, who also participated at Euro 2016, haven't qualified for this year's tournament so this game will be nothing more than a friendly for them. Ahead of kick off, check out our Romania vs Northern Ireland prediction below.

Romania vs Northern Ireland prediction: Home comforts to play dividends

Key stats

• Romania are unbeaten in 11 matches – a run that stretches back to November 2022.
• Northern Ireland have lost their last four away fixtures.
• Northern Ireland haven't beaten Romania since 1985.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Romania backed by the bookies

• HOME: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.9%
• DRAW: 9/4 (3.25) – 30.8%
• AWAY: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%

*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change

The Romania vs Northern Ireland odds suggest that the home sides should run out as winners on Friday night. However, when you consider they haven't lost a match since November 2022, you would perhaps be forgiven for expecting their odds to be a lot shorter than they are.

Northern Ireland had a qualification campaign to forget for Euro 2024 but manager, Michael O'Neill still has credit in the bank after previous successes and this match represents the start of a new era for the nation ahead of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. O'Neill has selected plenty of young players for the friendly with Romania so plenty of experimentation is expected.

Aside from the aforementioned free betting tips, there are some other markets that are worth looking at for this match. Under 2.5 goals is priced at 13/20 (1.65) while Denis Alibec to score anytime is 2/1 (3.00). You can find more goalscorer tips in our betting insights section.

Last five H2Hs: Romania looking to protect 39-year record

Romania and Northern Ireland's last five matches have all been positive experiences for the Romanians. Their last two encounters, both in the Nations League, finished all square but the Romania came out on top in two of the previous two matches. You have to go back to 1985 for the last Northern Ireland victory over Romania.

UEFA Nations League 18/11/20

Northern Ireland

1

Romania

1

UEFA Nations League 04/09/20

Romania

1

Northern Ireland

1

Euro 2015 Qualifying 13/06/15

Northern Ireland

0

Romania

0

Euro 2014 Qualifying 14/11/14

Romania

2

Northern Ireland

0

Romania preview: Looking to continue their good form

Romania boss, Edward Iordănescu, has a strong squad available here and Ianis Hagi and George Puscas are expected to come back in the starting eleven after missing the sides' last match against Switzerland. Bogdan Racovitan and Adrian Sut will be hoping to make their debuts here.

Predicted lineup: Moldovan (GK), Ratiu, Burca, Dragusin, Bancu, Cicaldau, Stanciu, Marin, Hagi, Alibec, Puscas

Europe - World Cup Qualifying 24/03/25

W

San Marino

1

Romania

5

Europe - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25

L

Bosnia-Herzegovina

1

Romania

0

UEFA Nations League C 18/11/24

W

Cyprus

1

Romania

4

UEFA Nations League C 15/10/24

W

Lithuania

1

Romania

2

UEFA Nations League C 12/10/24

W

Cyprus

0

Romania

3

Northern Ireland preview: Dawn of a new era

Northern Ireland are embarking on a new adventure under Michael O'Neill with the likes of Steven Davis and Craig Cathcart calling time on their international careers and Jonny Evans unavailable due to injury. Liverpool's Conor Bradley and Southampton's Shea Charles will be expected to step up to become the faces of the new era. s

Predicted lineup: Hazard (GK), Bradley, McNair, Toal, Brown, Lewis, S.Charles, Thompson, Saville, Price, D.Charles

International Match 25/03/25

L

Sweden

5

Northern Ireland

1

International Match 21/03/25

D

Switzerland

1

Northern Ireland

1

UEFA Nations League C 18/11/24

D

Luxembourg

2

Northern Ireland

2

UEFA Nations League C 15/11/24

W

Belarus

0

Northern Ireland

2

UEFA Nations League C 15/10/24

W

Bulgaria

0

Northern Ireland

5

Player to watch: Conor Bradley

Conor Bradley will be the face of the new era for Northern Ireland after what has been a breakthrough season for the 20-year-old right-back with his club side.

Can he bring his Liverpool form to the international stage?

Bradley has been trusted by Jurgen Klopp for much of this season with Trent Alexander-Arnold suffering from multiple injury problems. Bradley has arguably made himself undroppable even when Alexander-Arnold returns and he will line up for Michael O'Neil's men at right-back on Friday night.