N Ireland v Romania: Nations League predictions, betting preview, free tips & TV

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Northern Ireland v Romania in the Uefa Nations League on Wednesday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Mix, 7.45pm Wednesday

Best bet

Romania
1pt 7-5 general

Team news

Northern Ireland
George Saville, Steven Davis and Kyle Lafferty have withdrawn from the squad for personal reasons while Niall McGinn and Jordan Thompson are out injured.

Romania
Defenders Vlad Chiriches and Mihai Balasa are both injured for Romania, while goalkeeper Valentin Cojocaru misses out through Covid-19 infection and Nicusor Bancu is also absent.

Match preview

Northern Ireland were dealt a cruel blow in their Euro 2021 playoff final against Slovakia and they can't take much comfort from the Nations League either.

Ian Baraclough's side host Romania knowing that even a win may not be enough to see them avoid dropping into the third tier of the competition.

The Green and White Army have picked up just one point in this season's competition and they sit three behind third-placed Romania.

However, the picture at the bottom of Group B1 is clouded by the postponement of Sunday's game between Romania and Norway.

That fixture was called off at short notice due to a positive covid test in the Norwegian camp, and although Uefa are yet to allocate the points for that contest, it looks unlikely to work in Northern Ireland's favour.

George Saville, Steven Davis, Kyle Lafferty Niall McGinn and Jordan Thompson will all be absent for the home side and that leaves a thin squad facing their third game in six days.

Romania had the benefit of not playing at the weekend and that could play a major role. It's not had to envisage Mirel Radoi's side being fresher for the Belfast clash and it's worth remembering that this is a team who were good enough to win 3-2 in Austria in September.

Northern Ireland have produced some fantastic results at Windsor Park when their motivation is at a peak. However, it's hard to see a depleted squad, with little to play for, pulling off another against Romania.

The visitors have been supported into 7-5 from 13-8 but there still looks to be a bit of value in that price.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits.

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport