Our prediction for this Nations League match:
Northern Ireland
Match Time & Date:
15/11/2024
20:45
Prediction: 2-0
Belarus
Buoyed by a thrilling 5-0 win over Bulgaria, Northern Ireland will look to give fans yet another reason to celebrate when they take on Belarus in the Nations League round 5. The Green and White Army are eyeing top position in Group 3 and they are seen as hot favourites to win Friday’s clash. Bolton defender Eoin Toal serves a one-game ban due to the accumulation of yellow cards, while Paddy McNair misses out with injury.
Belarus, on the other hand, are undefeated in the new edition of the Nations League, but seeing that Northern Ireland have turned Windsor Park into a real fortress, home win should be considered. You should bear in mind that Northern Ireland have defeated Belarus in three of the previous four meetings between the two national teams in all competitions. There are no fresh injury concerns in the away team ahead of the trip to Belfast.
Highlighted Player (Paddy McNair):
Following in the footsteps of his compatriot Jonny Evans, Paddy McNair joined the Manchester United academy in 2011 and he was surprisingly handed first team debut by Louis van Gaal at the start of the 2014/2015 season.
Despite his fragile age, the talented central defender has been putting in some very mature performances ever since, and everything suggests he could go on to become an important player at Old Trafford in years to come. After representing a number of youth sides, McNair made his first appearance for the Northern Ireland senior national team in a March 2015 friendly vs Scotland, before making another three outings as his side secured their place at the Euro 2016 finals.
Northern Ireland coach Michael O’Neill surprisingly played McNair in holding midfield in the March 2016 friendly vs Wales. After the youngster impressed in the middle of the park, O’Neill went on to suggest that the Manchester United starlet may be used in midfield rather than defence in years to come in the national team.
Highlighted Team (Belarus):
Belarus national football team have been competing on the international stage since 1992. The Belarusians played their first match against Lithuania on July 20, 1992, but the game was not FIFA-recognized. The White Wings faced Ukraine in their first official match, with the team sharing the spoils with the fellow former Soviet republic.
Belarus have yet to qualify for a major tournament and they have slim chances of booking their place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Belarusians recorded their biggest win on September 4, 2014, with the team rolling over Tajikistan 6-1 in Borisov and speaking of their biggest loss, they were hammered by Austria (0-5) on June 11, 2003.
Alexander Hleb is the most famous footballer who played for the Belarus national team and it is well known that he spent four seasons at Barcelona. Belarus play their home games at Borisov Arena and they wear white shirts and white shorts when welcoming their rivals. The colour of their away kits is black.
Man City 
Everton
Bournemouth
Crystal Palace 
Chelsea 
Fulham
Newcastle 
Aston Villa 
Nottingham Forest 
Tottenham
Southampton 
West Ham 
