Nations League | League C

Nov 18, 2024 at 7.45pm UK

Stade de Luxembourg

Luxembourgvs.N. Ireland

Match preview

Luxembourg's 2024-25 Nations League campaign has been a bit of a mixed bag, with narrow defeats and disappointing draws being the order of the day. The latest result was a 1-0 loss against Bulgaria on Friday.

The Red Lions probably should have at least earned a point, given that they had 65% possession and produced 11 shots from inside the box compared to Bulgaria's 35% possession and four efforts from inside the penalty area.

Manager Luc Holtz's side have only let in three goals in their last four games, but they've also failed to score in any of those matches.

Holtz's team have drawn two and lost one of their last three games. It's worth noting that they were beaten in the four previous games by a combined score of 9-0.

The team has had mixed fortunes at Stade de Luxembourg recently. They lost their last two home games, but had won four and lost one of the previous five.

The visitors are coming into Monday's game on a high, having thoroughly outplayed Belarus. Michael O'Neill's team created over 2.5 xG and limited their opponents to just 0.35 xG.

If the Green and White Army draw with Luxembourg on Monday, they'll end their campaign on 11 points. They could theoretically be caught by Bulgaria, who currently have eight points and one game left. However, the group leaders currently have a 11-point better goal difference.

O'Neill said his players need to stay focused despite their success in the Nations League so far. "The team is happy with where they are, but they know there are areas we need to improve."

Northern Ireland have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games in all competitions and have won three of their five Nations League matches this term.

The visitors have scored nine goals and only let one past them in their five Nations League group matches. They've scored seven in their two most recent games in the competition.

Northern Ireland's away form is a bit of a concern. They've lost six, drawn two and only won one of their last nine games away from home.

Recent Performance

Luxembourg Nations League form:LLDDL

Luxembourg form (all competitions):LLLDDL

Northern Ireland Nations League form:WLDWW

Northern Ireland form (all competitions):WWLDWW

Team News

Luxembourg are likely to start Tiago Pereira Cardoso in goal, and they could field a backline featuring Laurent Jans, Seid Korac, Dirk Carlson and Mica Pinto.

In midfield, the hosts might go with a double pivot of Christopher Martins Pereira and Tomas de Sousa Moreira, while striker Gerson Rodrigues could be flanked by wingers Florian Bohnert and Danel Sinani.

Northern Ireland are likely to name a similar starting XI to the side that beat Belarus, so we can expect centre-backs Trai Hume, Daniel Ballard and Ciaron Brown to start in defence.

It looks like Alistair McCann and Shea Charles will probably partner up in a double pivot, with Conor Bradley and Brodie Spencer on the wings.

Isaac Price is definitely going to play in an attacking role behind Paul Smyth and Dion Charles.

Possible starting lineup

Luxembourg possible starting lineup:

Cardoso; Jans, Korac, Carlson, Pinto; Pereira, De Sousa Moreira; Sinani, Olesen, Bohnert; Rodrigues

Northern Ireland possible starting lineup:

P Charles; Hume, Ballard, Brown; Bradley, McCann, S Charles, Spencer; Price; Smyth, D Charles