Verdict: Romania and Northern Ireland to draw 1-1
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Romania and Northern Ireland will kick off their 2020–21 UEFA Nations League B campaign this week. The Group 1 encounter between the two sides is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time on Friday and will be held at Arena Naționala in Bucharest.
Romania
Romania were in 2018–19 UEFA Nations League C, and they did well. They finished second in Group 4 with 12 points from six matches, just two points behind winners Serbia. Romania won three matches and drew three games, and they also scored eight goals and conceded three. That was enough for Romania to win promotion to UEFA Nations League B for the 2020-21 campaign.
Mirel Radoi is the head coach of Romania at the moment, and he has named a very experienced squad for the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League B. Not a single player in the squad is below the age of 21, which shows just how serious Radoi is about the tournament. With Austria and Norway the other two teams in the group along with this week’s opponents Northern Ireland, Romania will fancy their chances of finishing top and winning promotion to League A.
Team news
Ianis Hagi has been playing well for Rangers this season, and the attacking midfielder could get a start against Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland were in 2018–19 UEFA Nations League B, and they had a very disappointing campaign indeed. They lost all four of their Group 3 games and finished rock bottom. Bosnia and Herzegovina won the group with 10 points from four matches, while Austria finished second with seven points. Northern Ireland scored just two goals in four matches and conceded as many as seven.
Ian Baraclough is now the new head coach of Northern Ireland, and he will be determined to make sure that his players perform much better this time. Drawn in Group 1 along with Austria, Norway and Romania, the Green and White Army will be confident of winning it and clinching promotion to League A. It is not going to be easy, though, but in a group where there are no clear favourites, they should fancy their chances.
Team news
Rangers winger Jordan Jones could be drafted into the Northern Ireland starting lineup, while George Saville could find himself on the substitutes’ bench against Romania.
Key Factors to Consider
Both Romania and Northern Ireland have new managers.
Romania have lost their last two matches in all competitions.
Northern Ireland have drawn and lost their last two competitive fixtures.
Conclusion
This is a big game for the two teams, with both Romania and Northern Ireland having new managers. They will be determined to put on a good show, but with no fans inside the stadium, it could be tricky for them. Playing amid familiar surroundings will give Romania an advantage, but the visiting team will want to do better this time around and will eke out a point in the end.
Verdict: Romania and Northern Ireland to draw 1-1
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