A new era beckons for Northern Ireland as they head to Romania for an international friendly on Friday night.
Michael O’Neill’s men rounded off a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Denmark at Windsor Park, but they will be dreaming of what might have been.
Defeat after defeat ensured they will be watching events in Germany from afar, and now just have a couple of friendlies to contend with over the next few months before the next edition of the Nations League which kicks off in September.
On the injury front, left-back Jamal Lewis, who is on loan at Watford from Newcastle, has stayed behind to seek treatment for an injury, while Rangers’ Ross McCausland is in a similar situation.
Romania, meanwhile, who booked their place at the Euros by topping their group, will be using the friendly as preparation to gauge where they are at ahead of their first major tournament appearance in eight years.
Edward Iordanescu’s side have three more friendlies after Northern Ireland to fine-tune planning, and they have been in resplendent form.
But who will take the spoils at the Arena Nationala? I have rummaged through the markets and handpicked a couple of betting tips for your perusal.
Romania to dampen new dawn for Northern Ireland
Much talk this week has centred around a new era for Northern Ireland, and perhaps with that, a sign of better things to come.
Friendlies are usually a great way to experiment, and Northern Ireland’s young guns are likely to be thrust into a more prominent role this week, including Conor Bradley, who is a stand-out name.
O’Neill’s side are brimming with youth, but Romania are in a rich vein of form, as they are unbeaten in their past 11 competitive matches.
When you consider they only conceded five goals in 10 matches, this will be a stiff test of Northern Ireland’s attacking credentials.
Each of the past three meetings between the two sides has ended in a stalemate, failing to trouble the Over 1.5 goals line in the process, but I can see that changing.
To kick things off, I’ve gone with Romania to win both halves, and an attractive price of 4/1 has been supplied by William Hill.
Ianis Hagi to cap off a fine evening for Romania
Currently on loan at Alaves from Rangers, Ianis Hagi will be looking to make his mark against Northern Ireland.
Just four goals for club and country feels like a paltry return, but with the Euros looming large, Hagi will feel like he has a point to prove.
Although there has been plenty of debate over whether Hagi should be called up for the Euros, he can stake his claim for a spot with a strong display or two.
To round things off, I’m going to take a punt on Hagi to net the last goal of the game, and he’s available at 13/2 with bet365 which might be worth exploring.
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