Northern Ireland can secure their place in a major tournament for the first time since the 1986 World Cup when they face Greece in their Euro 2016 qualifier at Windsor Park.

A point may be enough for Michael O'Neill's men should Hungary fail to beat the Faroe Islands in their Group F match.

Northern Ireland

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Northern Ireland have been in strong form throughout the campaign, putting them on the brink of reaching their first major tournament in 30 years.

The Green and Whites have lost just one match in qualifying when they were defeated 2-0 by Romania in Bucharest last year due to a brace from Paul Papp.

Their defeat ended a run of three straight victories for O'Neill's men, who had a blistering start to their campaign with wins over Hungary, the Faroe Islands and Greece.

Although they were outplayed by Romaina, they got quickly got back to form and are currently on a four-match unbeaten run following their victory over the Faroe Islands and draw with Hungary in the last round of fixtures.

O'Neill will be disappointed that his side missed out on the chance to secure their place in Euro 2016 against Hungary, but will have been delighted to secure a point courtesy of Kyle Lafferty's late strike.

Ireland have been consistent at both ends of the pitch throughout the competition, netting 12 goals and conceding just six in their eight matches, which has given them the advantage in goal difference over third-place Hungary.

O'Neill will be hopeful that his side can muster one last effort to get over the line to secure their place in tournament in France next year before the final match.

Recent form: WLWDWD
Recent form (all competitions): LWDDWD

Greece

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Greece have had a horrendous qualifying campaign by failing to record a single victory in their eight matches.

The Galanolefki entered Group F as the top seeds and favourites to book their place in the competition next year, but struggled immensely from the off.

Claudio Ranieri, who replaced Fernando Santos after the World Cup, lost four of his five matches, including a 1-0 defeat to the Faroe Islands, before he was sacked from the role.

Sergio Markarian was brought in to replace the Italian, but he struggled in his three games in charge and another loss at the hands of the Faroe Islands saw the 70-year-old end his tenure by resigning.

Caretaker Kostas Tsanas led the team in their last round of fixtures as they lost 1-0 to Finland, but did manage 0-0 draw against Romania in Bucharest.

Greece's main problem has been in front of goal as they have scored twice in their eight matches and have been vulnerable at the back, which has led to the disastrous campaign.

The future of Greek football looks uncertain, but Tsanas will be hopeful that he can rally the squad for one final effort to earn some respectability to avoid finishing bottom of the group.

Recent form: LLDLLD
Recent form (all competitions): LDLDLD

Team News

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Jonny Evans is a doubt for Northern Ireland for the match due to a hamstring injury he sustained in West Bromwich Albion's 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend.

However, Gareth McAuley has been passed fit to play after a scan on his calf problem showed no sign of damage. Aaron Hughes and Chris Brunt are also available for selection, despite missing training.

Chris Baird, Conor McLaughlin and Lafferty will all miss the match due to suspension. The Derby County man was sent off in his side's draw with Hungary last time out, while McLaughlin and Lafferty reached the yellow-card limit at Windsor Park.

Greece are without defender Kostas Manolas for the match due to suspension, while Kyriakos Papadopoulos is also out due to injury.

Vangelis Moras and Loukas Vyntra are lined up to replace Manolas alongside Sokratis Papastathopoulos, while Kostas Mitroglou is expected to lead the line in attack.

N Ireland possible starting lineup:
McGovern; Hughes, Cathcart, McAuley, Brunt; Dallas, Baird, C Evans, Davis, Norwood; Ward

Greece possible starting lineup:
Karnezis; Torsidis, Papastathopoulos, Moras, Holebas; Kone, Samaris, Tachtsidis, Tziolis, Fortounis; Mitroglou

Head To Head

Northern Ireland secured a 2-0 win in their trip to Athens as goals from Jamie Ward and Laffery stunned the Galanolefki.

Greece won on their last trip to Windsor Park in 2003 as a brace from Angelos Charisteas fired them to a 2-0 victory.

Over the course of history, Greece have edged the contest by winning four of the six meetings, while Northern Ireland have registered two since the sides first met in 1961.

We say: Northern Ireland 2-0 Greece

Despite the absence of key players for O'Neill men, we expect his side to make history at Windsor Park by sealing their place in Euro 2016 with a comfortable victory against a demoralised Greece.

Written by
Simon Sinclair

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