Dead rubber in Belfast could be entertaining

Nations League
Sky Sports Football & Main Event, 5pm Sunday

One of the best aspects of the Nations League has been the reduction in the number of non-competitive matches, but there will be nothing but pride to play for when relegated Northern Ireland take on second-placed Austria in Belfast.

Austria's chances of promotion from League B Group 3 ended when they drew 0-0 at home to Bosnia on Thursday, leaving them six points adrift of the Bosnians and four above Northern Ireland, who cannot climb off the foot of the table.

With neither team able to improve their placing they could both play with a little more freedom, generating a lively contest with the potential for plenty of goals.

Northern Ireland drew 0-0 against Ireland in a friendly on Thursday, failing to find the net for a seventh successive away game, although they dominated the match and created some good chances.

They tend to play with more attacking intent at Windsor Park and were unlucky to lose 2-1 at home to Bosnia in September after winning the shot count 26-5 and the corners battle 18-1.

Michael O'Neill's have scored in seven of their last eight home matches, including a 3-0 triumph over Israel in a September friendly.

There is a lack of quality in attack but 20-goal striker Kyle Lafferty is back in the fold after missing last month's squad and Liam Boyce is playing well for Burton in Sky Bet League One, scoring eight goals this season.

O'Neill's men should find a way past Austria keeper Heinz Lindner but they may struggle to keep their opponents out.

Austria will be disappointed with their performances in the inaugural Nations League but they are capable of a lot better given the quality they possess.

Marko Arnautovic, with 20 goals in 76 internationals, is the main threat to Northern Ireland but there is decent quality all over the pitch with 14 members of the squad plying their trade in the Bundesliga.

The Austrians should make a positive impression in a decent game which could feature goals at both ends.

Recommendation
Both teams to score
1pt 11-10 BoyleSports

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Northern Ireland
Oliver Norwood is suspended after picking up two bookings and was not selected in this week's squad.

Austria
Sebastian Prodl (hamstring) missed out on the squad but Marko Arnautovic (knee) is expected to continue.

Key stat
Northern Ireland have scored in 14 of their last 16 home fixtures.

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