Wales vs Northern Ireland predictions, team news, betting tips, odds and Bet Builder

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Wales vs Northern Ireland kick-off, date & TV info 

Date Tuesday, March 31
Kick-off 7.45pm
Venue Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
Competition International friendly 
TV BBC One Wales, BBC Two Northern Ireland & BBC Three.

Wales and Northern Ireland suffered World Cup playoff heartache last Thursday and are unlikely to be inspired for their friendly match in Cardiff.

The game looks like a chance for both teams to start building towards the start of the 2026-27 Nations League in September, but two youthful sides could produce chances at either end.

Wales vs Northern Ireland betting tips & predictions

Best bet

Wales to win & both teams to score
1pt 11-4 bet365, Paddy Power

Wales vs Northern Ireland preview 

Something just didn't seem right in the build-up to Wales's playoff defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina, when the usually perfectly choreographed pre-match build-up failed to boost the atmosphere.

After Harry Wilson had hit the post in the first half, Dan James' 51st-minute opener should, maybe could, have calmed things down, but James then hit the bar to further the doubts around the Cardiff City Stadium.

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow played his part but could do nothing as Bosnia's pressure paid off and Edin Dzeko equalised late on before the visitors eventually settled things on penalties.

With Wales's World Cup dream over, they now host Northern Ireland in a game no one wanted to play in.

The visitors earned their involvement in this hastily arranged friendly after losing 2-0 to Italy in Bergamo, battling hard but always lacking the cutting edge to test the Azzurri.

Managers Craig Bellamy and Michael O'Neill are expected to name experimental line-ups, especially O'Neill, who fielded only one player over 24 in his starting 11 against the Italians.

Bellamy will be without Jordan James, who limped off on Thursday. Liam Cullen replaced him and could come in, as should Sorba Thomas after impressing off the bench.

The youth on both sides may well produce chances at both ends but Wales's depth is greater.

While Wales and Northern Ireland will reflect on the March international fixtures with little else but sadness and frustration, the hosts can salvage something from the games by landing a victory in Cardiff.

Wales vs Northern Ireland Bet Builder

Wales to win

Sorba Thomas to score or assist

Highest scoring half - second half

Pays out at 7-1 with bet365

Key stats for Wales vs Northern Ireland

♦ Both teams have scored in Wales's last three home games
♦ Two of Wales's last three home games have ended with four or more goals
♦ Northern Ireland have only won one of their last ten away games
♦ Both teams' playoff ties featured more goals in the second half

Wales vs Northern Ireland betting odds

Sign up with bet365 to bet on Wales vs Northern Ireland in an international friendly. Here are the latest odds for Tuesday's match.

Odds correct at time of publishing

Want more top football betting advice? Make sure you take a look at Racing Post Sport's tips for more of the latest picks from our experts.

Wales vs Northern Ireland team news and predicted line-ups

Wales

Sorba Thomas came off the bench against Bosnia and is expected to start. Ben Davies, Chris Mepham, Kieffer Moore and Connor Roberts are absent due to injury, while Aaron Ramsey has been overlooked.

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Ward; Kpakio, Cabango, Lawlor, Dasilva; Ampadu, Sheehan; Broadhead, Cullen, Thomas; Harris.
Subs: Norrington-Davies, N Williams, Koumas, King, Wilson, Brooks, Johnson.

Northern Ireland

Kieran Morrison, Callum Marshall and Jamie McDonnell could be handed starts in Cardiff. Conor Bradley, Jamal Lewis, Ali McCann and Daniel Ballard are absent.

Predicted line-up (3-5-2): P Charles; Hume, McConville, Toal; Smyth, Saville, McDonnell, S. Charles, Devenny; Marshall, D Charles.
Subs: McNair, Devlin, Spencer, Gailbraith, Price, Magennis, Donley.

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FAQs

When is Wales vs Northern Ireland?

This international friendly takes place on Tuesday, March 31, kicking off at 7.45pm.

Where is Wales vs Northern Ireland being played?

The venue for the game is the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff.

Where can I watch Wales vs Northern Ireland?

BBC One Wales, BBC Two Northern Ireland, and BBC Three will be showing the game live.

What is the match betting for Wales vs Northern Ireland?

Wales are 7-10 to win, Northern Ireland are 7-2 and the draw is 5-2.

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