After a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick sunk the Irish on Friday, our tipster is backing the Green and White army to bounce back with a win
Northern Ireland travel to Luxembourg after pushing Portugal close last week in a 4-2 thriller. With both sides unable to qualify for the World Cup in the summer, they are playing for pride and to avoid finishing bottom of Group F. Michael O'Neill's men have improved over their last few qualifying matches despite that loss to Portugal last week, even though they led 2-1 with just over 20 minutes to go.
That performance followed up their surprise victory against Russia back in August, where a Martin Paterson goal gave them a 1-0 victory at Windsor Park and Paddy Power price them as favourites tonight despite being away at 11/10 (2.10).
Luxembourg have only managed three points from their seven qualifying matches so far this campaign. Russia were the last team to beat them convincingly, running out 4-1 winners last Friday.
This followed two draws against Azerbaijan, with their other point coming in a 1-1 draw away to Northern Ireland in September 2012. Paddy Power price them at 13/5 (3.60) to take all three points. The same firm price the draw at 9/4 (3.25).
Despite their loss against Portugal, Northern Ireland have looked like a very solid outfit over their last few games. With value tough to find in this international in the goals market, backing O'Neill's men to win outright seems like a good bet with Paddy Power at 11/10 (2.10).
Luxembourg have struggled at home in this qualifying campaign, losing to Portugal and heavily to Israel so a small stake on Northern Ireland could be the most sensible option.
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