Northern Ireland vs Russia Betting Pick | World Cup

World Cup

2013-03-23 - Northern Ireland vs Russia

A Sports Betting Pick by Auls

Northern Ireland v Russia
Football: World Cup 2014 Qualifier
Saturday 23 March 2013 - Kick Off 3pm
This game is live on TV

Preview

Despite a very good result in Portugal, Northern Ireland are already in a desperate position if they are to give themselves a chance of making it to Brazil next Summer.

Their seeding always meant they would be placed in a tough Group, but it has been poor results against the 'weaker' nations that have left them in the position they are. Now they get to entertain a Russia side that already looks in a good position to make it to the World Cup in a little over twelve months time.

Northern Ireland drew 1-1 in Portugal, a very good result, but home draws with Luxembourg and Azerbaijan are extremely disappointing. That leaves the Northern Irish in 4th place in the Group and already 4 points behind second placed Israel.

That makes this game extremely important for them at Windsor Park, and a defeat would almost certainly see them knocked out of World Cup qualifying contention. It won't be easy against a Russian side that has won all 4 games they have played in the Group and have a commanding 5 point lead already.

Russia have won 3 of their 4 games at home, but the 0-4 win in Israel is hugely significant too. Fabio Capello should be well aware of the Northern Irish team having been England coach around a year ago and will not be taking the game lightly, especially not with a trip to Portugal coming up in June.

It will take something special for the home side to win having achieved victory in 1 of their last 13 home games- even that was against the Faroe Islands and defeats to Norway, Serbia, Turkey and Slovakia are probably more concerning with Russia next to visit.

There have been some impressive wins for Russia away from home in recent seasons, including in Denmark and Slovakia and coming to Windsor Park won't hold too many fears for them.

Head to Head

This will be the first time that these nations meet in Northern Ireland since 1971.

Russia did beat Northern Ireland 2-0 at home earlier in the Group.

Prediction

The game may be postponed until Saturday with heavy snow affecting the pitch and surrounding area, but I do think Russia are playing focused football and will be able to see off Northern Ireland with some room to spare.

The problem for Northern Ireland is that they won't be able to just defend deep as they did in Portugal with the home side urging them forward. That may create space for Russia to exploit and I think they can make the odds pay in this one and win by a couple of goals.