Northern Ireland v Kosovo predictions: Windsor Park woes look set to continue

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Northern Ireland v Kosovo in the Nations League on Saturday.

Where to watch

Premier Sports 1, 5pm Saturday

Best bet

Kosovo draw no bet
1pt 7-5 Betfair, Power

Team news

Northern Ireland
Dan Ballard, Ryan McLaughlin, Michael Smith, Conor Washington are injured and Kyle Lafferty has withdrawn from the squad.

Kosovo
Kosovo must make do without the injured Valon Berisha, Mergim Vojvoda, Leart Paqarada, Edon Zhegrova and Shkelqim Vladi.

Match preview

Northern Ireland competed in League B of the Nations League in the autumn of 2020 but their dismal 2022 campaign has put them at risk of relegation to League D and their predicament is likely to worsen with a loss to Kosovo in Belfast.

Only goal difference keeps the Green and White Army above Cyprus at the foot of Group C2 and the clash with Kosovo looks their best chance of adding to their meagre two-point tally, because they finish off the campaign with a tough trip to leaders Greece.

However, Northern Ireland's home results have been generally poor with just one victory secured in their last 14 matches at Windsor Park.

They needed a late rally to scrape a 2-2 draw at home to Cyprus in June, coming from two goals behind and grabbing a point when defender Jonny Evans popped up with an injury-time leveller.

But it was a far from convincing performance and left manager Ian Barraclough under significant pressure.

Barraclough needs a strong finish to the campaign but his options are restricted by the absences of key defender Dan Ballard and lively forward Conor Washington and it is hard to see where the goals are going to come from.

Wigan forward Josh Magennis could lead the attack with Shayne Lavery and Gavin Whyte the most likely candidates to support from wide areas, but the trio's international goal returns - nine, two and four respectively – are not going to strike fear into Kosovan hearts.

Kosovo have had a roller-coaster ride since playing their first match in 2016.

They reached the playoffs in Euro 2020 qualifying, losing 2-1 away to North Macedonia, but were far less impressive in World Cup qualifying, finishing bottom of Group B.

However, Kosovo have competed well in the Nations League and are firmly on course for second place after recording victories away to Cyprus and at home to Northern Ireland.

Most of the Kosovan players ply their trade at a decent level and they have quality up front with Mallorca striker Vedat Muriqi leading the line.

Key stat

Northern Ireland have won just one of their last 14 home matches

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