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Northern Ireland poised to clinch top spot in Luxembourg matchup

Northern Ireland poised to clinch top spot in Luxembourg matchup

Northern Ireland is leading their Nations League group, having won three out of five matches and currently sitting two points ahead of second-placed Bulgaria.

They are set to play against Luxembourg in their final match, with the hosts having only earned two points out of a possible 15 so far and facing relegation.

With the opportunity for Nations League promotion within reach for Michael O'Neill's team, there is a strong motivation for the young players to end the campaign impressively.

Team news

It is expected that Luxembourg will field a similar lineup to the one that lost 1-0 to Bulgaria in their last match.

Northern Ireland's Dan Ballard is still regaining match fitness after returning from injury.

Having played only 11 minutes in the last two months for Sunderland, Ballard featured for 70 minutes against Belarus, and it remains uncertain if he will play in the upcoming game. His absence would be felt as he has scored three goals in his last five international appearances.

The stats

Luxembourg, led by Luc Holtz, have earned just two points in the group. They managed to get those points from two away games where they ended in a draw.
Luxembourg, led by Luc Holtz, have earned just two points in the group. They managed to get those points from two away games where they ended in a draw.

In Northern Ireland's last six games, both teams did not score.

Luxembourg has scored only one goal in their last seven matches.

Michael O'Neill's team has scored seven goals in their last two games, winning both without conceding.

Prediction

This Nations League campaign has provided an opportunity for the youthful Northern Ireland team to showcase their progress, with three wins and a draw in five games placing them at the top of the group before the final matches.

With a significant number of players aged 22 or younger involved in this campaign, there is a dynamic energy in the team, led by captain and Liverpool player Conor Bradley.

Following a 5-0 victory over Bulgaria and a 2-0 win against Belarus, where they showed patience in breaking down the opposition, Northern Ireland will likely face a defensively set Luxembourg side looking to counterattack.

Luxembourg has struggled to score in their recent games, including a 2-0 defeat to Northern Ireland in September.

An important aspect for Northern Ireland will be to perform well away from home, and securing a victory would underline their progress, making them the favorites to win the group.