Romania vs Northern Ireland Predictions

• Northern Ireland lost just three of their last 10 matches.
• Romania won just one of their last four home games.
• Romania scored exactly one goal in three of their last four home games.
• Northern Ireland scored exactly once in 75% of their last four away assignments.

New beginnings for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland enter a new era this week under the country’s former Under-21’s boss Ian Baraclough, who takes charge of the senior squad for the first time in a tricky looking Nations League Group B1 tie at Romania in Bucharest.

The Green and White Army finished 2019 in disappointment after they missed out on a top two finish in their European Championship qualification group, though they were always likely to be left behind by strong Germany and Netherlands teams in the section.

Barraclough’s first squad has a familiar look to it with seasoned campaigners Jonny Evans, Craig Cathcart, Steven Davis, Niall McGinn and Kyle Lafferty, carrying 386 international caps between them all included.

Romania hoping for fresh start under Radoi

Like their opponents on Friday, Romania will be hoping to harness the new manager bounce under Mirel Radoi, who was also promoted from his role with the country’s Under-21’s last year after the Tricolorii’s unsuccessful Euros qualification campaign.

With 10 players with five or fewer caps named in his first squad, Radoi has opted for energy over experience and the former international defender will hope that his personnel reshuffle is a gamble that pays off this week.

Northern Ireland to avoid defeat

Northern Ireland have routinely punched above their weight over the last few years, and with Premier League quality at centre-half, they should prove tough to turn over in Bucharest this week.

Only Germany (twice) and the Netherlands managed to beat NI in 2019 in 10 international fixtures, while the same powerhouses were the only host nations to beat a stubborn Northern Irish outfit in six away contests since the back end of 2018.

Against a low-level Romania outfit whose only victories at home in 2019 came against minnows Faroe Islands and Malta, Ian Baraclough’s side should have enough experience to avoid defeat this week, and that in turn makes Northern Ireland worth backing in the double chance market.

Our correct score prediction suggests a 1-1 draw is a likely outcome however. Romania scored exactly once in three of their last four run outs at home, while Northern Ireland hit the net once in 75% of their last four matches on the road.

With both new managers keen to avoid a defeat in their first fixtures in charge, a share of the spoils in a low-key encounter looks probable.