Poland vs Northern Ireland betting tips and predictions for the Euro 2016 Group C fixture where both teams will be looking to make a flying start to Euro 2016.
Northern Ireland get their Euro 2016 campaign underway on Sunday as they face off against Poland in Nice. The match is live on BBC One at 5pm and here are our match predictions and betting tips ahead of the clash.
Poland vs Northern Ireland Predictions
Had Wales not had such a terrific run themselves, a lot more people would be talking about the fantastic achievement that was Northern Ireland topping Group F in Euro 2016 qualifying. Although that group did lack a genuine heavyweight, all the teams were very evenly matched, and 9 points from their opening three games highlighted the importance of a good start in qualification as Michael O’Neil’s side not only booked their place in France, they did it comfortably.
Heading into the championships and Northern Ireland are the rank outsiders of the competition at 250/1. Obviously we’ve seen Greece and Denmark shock Europe in the past, but I’m going to stick my neck out and say that the Northern Irish probably aren’t going to win this one! Nevertheless, they do head into the tournament in decent form having not been defeated in their last twelve matches and there is every chance they could avoid the wooden spoon of the group if they can get off to a positive start on Sunday.
Opponents Poland also had a highly-competitive group to negotiate on their way the this summer’s tournament as they narrowly edged out the Republic of Ireland to secure second place behind Germany in Group D. However, the Polish were the top scoring side in the whole of the qualification process with a whopping 33 goals, and in the shape of Robert Lewandowski, have one of the most lethal strikers in world football.
In their six friendlies leading up to their clash with Northern Ireland, though, Poland’s form has tailed off somewhat. Although Adam Nawalka’s side won the first four of these games, they have since lost 2-1 at home to the Netherlands, before playing out an absolute stinker of a 0-0 against lowly Lithuania last week, and this is hardly the ideal preparation they would have hoped for ahead of Euro 16.
As we move onto Sunday’s big game, I can imagine a vast majority of Northern Ireland’s preparation will surround how they intend to marshal Poland’s main man Robert Lewandowski. Whilst not being the most prolific of sides, Northern Ireland definitely know how to defend, and the mere statistic they have only conceded once in their last five internationals certainly highlights they are real tough nut to crack.
However, irrespective of Northern Ireland’s excellent 12 match unbeaten run, the cynic in me can’t quite ignore the fact that Poland are a step up from most of the sides they have been playing over the last couple of years, and I feel they may struggle to contain the only truly world class player they will have faced during this period. With this in mind, I fancy Poland to win a tight game this weekend.
At odds of 8/11, though, you would probably want a little more value for money backing Poland considering the match is hardly a banker. Northern Ireland also head into the match with a doubts over the fitness of leading scorer Kyle Lafferty, and if he is missing, it will be a huge blow. Therefore, my first Poland vs Northern Ireland prediction is for Poland to win and under 2.5 goals at 21/10 with William Hill.
Get two free £10 bets when you open a new William Hill account.
Moving over to the first goalscorer market for my second Poland vs Northern Ireland betting tip, and shock, horror, I’m going to back Robert Lewandowski. Frankly if I were to suggest anyone else, I would not be very good at my job! For this particular bet, load up on Lewandowski at 5/2 with Betfred’s DD/HH offer which is running throughout the whole tournament and should be your one and only port of call for the first scorer market. They might offer a slightly reduced price in comparison to other bookmakers, but this only to guard against what is a potentially very rewarding promotion. If you back all the big names in the competition, you will definitely be due a few nice payouts this month.
Get a £30 free bet when you open a new Betfred account.
For my final Poland vs Northern Ireland prediction, we’re going to finish with another Robert Lewandowski bet, and I’m going to suggest backing the Polish number 9 to score a goal with his head on Sunday. It’s by no means a shoo-in, but Lewandowski has managed to score no fewer than 17 headed goals for both Bayern and Poland in recent seasons, so he looks a decent price of 11/2 with Sky Bet to notch with his head once again.
Poland vs Northern Ireland Betting Tips
Poland to win and under 2.5 goals – 21/10 with William Hill.
Lewandowski to score first – 5/2 with Betfred.
Lewandowski to score with his head – 11/2 with Sky Bet.
We’re betting on a Poland win in our Euro 2016 betting tips for this one and if you agree with us you should use the 5/1 enhanced odds below. Fancy a Northern Ireland win? Then take the 16/1 boost with Betfair!
How to get 5/1 Poland or 16/1 Northern Ireland:
1. Click this link to Betfair and register
2. Bet £10 on either 5/1 Poland win or 16/1 Northern Ireland win
3. If your bet loses you get a £10 refund
Thomas Furinss
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