Romania vs Northern Ireland
UEFA Nations League B
Date: Friday, 4 September 2020
Kick-off at 19:45 UK/ 20:45 CET
Venue: Arena Națională.
Match preview
After a successful time Michael O'Neill at the helm, former Under-21s boss Ian Baraclough has now been tasked with trying to continue the progress of Northern Ireland.
However, 49 years have given a sick-bed-in period, was accused of trying to make progress in two competitions during the next three months.
The playoff with Bosnia-Herzegovina will certainly be considered a priority, but Baraclough can not ignore that the squad must be at their best to retain their place in Group B of the UEFA League of Nations.
With Norway and Austria arguably ahead of them in terms of their development, it leaves an away clash with Romania as arguably the most important game they will find half a dozen of their events.
On the plus side, the Northern Ireland continue the action after the Netherlands holds a goalless draw and given Germany fear in Frankfurt, although finally succumbing to a 6-1 scoreline.
As far as Romania is concerned, they now have Mirel Radoi as their head coach, who also has made the step up from Under-21 to lead the seniors.
Radoi had to find a way to lift his squad after they blew a chance to claim at least a playoff spot in the Euro 2020 qualifiers, earning just one point from their last three games to finish in fourth position.
Although Norway, Sweden and Spain are the opposition, causing performance Cosmin Contra way removed from his role in the break room, an indication of the frustration behind the scenes.
With no players under the age of 21 were included in the first squad, Radoi who seem to put faith in the experience of the younger, but the approach may not continue if the team did not leave in their first two matches.
Team News
A solution is needed at right-back with the first choice Romario Benzar, Vasile Mogos and Rowen Muscat lost to Romania.
Razvan Tudor Marin and Baluta appear very in midfield to Romania by the end of 2019 but was not called up this time.
Ian Baraclough has big shoes to fill after replacing Michael O'Neil as manager of Northern Ireland in June.
Romania vs Northern Ireland: Predictions
Radoi's men have built a reputation unwanted bullied into small fish, that most of their victories in recent years have come against some of the worst teams in all of Europe.
On the other hand, Norn Iron provides some of the best teams in the world (Germany, Netherlands) run for their money in the Euro Cup qualifying competition.
If not for some strategies an all-out-attack by the two teams, men Baraclough will be delivered one of the toughest interference in football history.
Chances are, their confidence is at an all time high, and they are just hungry for more. They must aim to be promoted to League A.
Considering that the other two teams in the group are Norway and Austria, it is certainly doable. And to the strong performance in the opener is a prerequisite.
Accordingly, Northern Ireland is expected to be a dominant force this Friday at the National Arena.
Romania vs Northern Ireland: Betting Tips
Dual Opportunity: Northern Ireland or Draw @ 1.70 (7/10)
Northern Ireland 0.5, 1 Asian Handicap @ 1.50 (1/2).
