Belarus vs Northern Ireland predictions: Cagey affair likely in Hungary

– Eight of Belarus’ last 12 games have gone under 2.5 goals
– Northern Ireland have only won one of their last eight away matches
– Recommended bet: Under 1.5 goals

With an inexperienced squad and one eye on Euro 2028, Northern Ireland head coach Michael O’Neill has prioritised developing his young players.

That can lead to inconsistent performances and the Green and White Army have won one and lost one of their opening two Nations League games, while opponents Belarus have earned four points from their first two matches.

This game is being played at the ZTE Arena in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary.

O’Neill will be without the services of goalkeeper Birmingham City Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Mansfield Town’s Christy Pym has been called up as a result.

Dan Ballard is also injured for the visitors, but Jamie Reid returns from a blood clot that kept him out of the last round of internationals.

Ivan Bakhar has been ruled out for Belarus, but they should field a similar side to the one that beat Luxembourg 1-0 last time out.

Both teams to score has only landed in one of Northern Ireland’s last six road games.

Belarus have drawn six of their last eight matches in all competitions.

Only one player in the Northern Ireland squad has managed a double-figure goal tally for their nation, Josh Magennis with 11 goals.

Northern Ireland picked up a 2-0 win over Luxembourg in the first of their Nations League clashes in September before losing 1-0 on the road to Bulgaria in their second.

They will be looking to put the disappointment of that second result behind them when they travel to take on Belarus, who beat Luxembourg and played out a 0-0 draw with the 10 men of Bulgaria in their two Nations League games.

The hosts have made their priority their defensive stability, they have only conceded three goals in their last six games in all competitions.

The White Wings have struggled in attacking areas, however, which is part of the reason that they have drawn six of their last eight games in all competitions.

They face a Northern Ireland side who are hardly prolific, particularly on their travels.

The visitors have only scored three goals in their last six away games and their inexperienced squad could be set to struggle to find the net once more.

Eight of Belarus’ last 12 games in all competitions have been decided by a goal or less and the same looks like a real possibility here.

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