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Belarus and Northern Ireland return to action in the UEFA Nations League when they square off at the ZTE Arena on Saturday. Both sides picked up contrasting results in their most recent outings, with Michael O'Neill’s men suffering a narrow defeat against Bulgaria in Plovdiv.
Kairat Almaty midfielder Valeri Gromyko grabbed the headlines for Belarus on September 8 when he struck with 14 minutes left in the game to hand them a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg.
This was a much-needed response from Alos Ferrer Carlos’ side, who had kicked off the 2024-25 Nations League with a goalless draw against Bulgaria at the ZTE Arena on September 5.
With four points from their opening two matches, Belarus currently lead the way at the top of the League C Group 3 standings, one point and two places above Saturday’s visitors.
Northern Ireland, on the other hand, were sent back down to earth last time out as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Bulgaria at the Hristo Botev Stadium.
Before that, O'Neill’s men picked up a comfortable 2-0 victory over Luxembourg in their League C Group 3 opener on September 5 courtesy of quick-fire goals from Paddy McNair and Daniel Ballard in the first half.
Northern Ireland will be backing themselves to return to winning ways this weekend as they go up against an opposing side who have lost their last three clashes since May 2016.
Belarus vs Northern Ireland Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- Northern Ireland have been the dominant side in the history of this fixture, having picked up three wins from the previous three meetings between the two nations.
- Belarus are unbeaten in their last six competitive games, claiming three wins and three draws since a 1-0 loss against Israel in September 2023.
- Northern Ireland are unbeaten in five of their last seven games, including friendly matches, claiming four wins and one draw since November 2023.
- Belarus have won just one of their last nine Nations League matches while losing four and picking up four draws since November 2020.
Belarus vs Northern Ireland Prediction
Northern Ireland have enjoyed the better of this fixture and will be looking to extend their dominance over the hosts this weekend.
However, Belarus’ home advantage gives them a slight edge and we predict they will hold out for a share of the spoils.
Prediction: Belarus 1-1 Northern Ireland
Belarus vs Northern Ireland Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals - No (There have been fewer than three goals scored in six of Belarus’ last eight games, including friendly matches)
Tip 3: Over 10.5 corners - No (There have also been fewer than 11 corner kicks in the hosts’ last eight outings)
