Northern Ireland v Lithuania predictions: Hosts aiming to finish with a flourish

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Northern Ireland v Lithuania in World Cup qualifying Group C on Friday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Northern Ireland to win to nil
1pt 11-10 bet365

Team news

Northern Ireland
Jonny Evans returns from injury and Jamal Lewis is available after suspension.

Lithuania
Right-back Egidijus Vaitkunas is back after suspension.

Match preview

Northern Ireland have failed to compete with the top teams in their World Cup qualifying section - ending their hopes of a place in Qatar next year - but they should be too strong for group basement boys Lithuania at Windsor Park.

Missing out on a place at Euro 2020 was a close run thing for Northern Ireland, who suffered a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Slovakia in the final playoff round.

However, they have not been at the races in World Cup qualifying and their sole victory came in September when they thumped Lithuania 4-1 in Vilnius.

Northern Ireland's slim qualification hopes were extinguished by October defeats away to Switzerland (0-2) and Bulgaria (1-2) so they will be eager to finish on a high in their final two qualifiers at home to the Lithuanians and then European champions Italy.

Ian Baraclough's men have at least shown that they can defend when holding the capable Swiss to a 0-0 draw in September, and the presence of Premier League centre-backs Jonny Evans and Craig Cathcart should help them shut out the Lithuanians, who have lost six of seven qualifiers – conceding 18 goals in the process.

Finding a regular source of goals has been more problematic for Baraclough, who has just two recognised senior central strikers - Hull's Josh Magennis and Charlton's Conor Washington - at his disposal.

However, Northern Ireland usually play at a higher tempo in Belfast and they should find a way past the Lithuanians and secure a second win of their campaign.

Key stat

Lithuania have lost five of their last six away games without scoring a goal.

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