Our prediction for this match:
Northern Ireland play host to United States of America in a friendly on Sunday evening. The Green and White army head into the match following the World Cup qualifier against star-studded Italy, meaning that head coach Ian Baraclough is likely to rest key players for the Bulgaria clash. The likes of Charles, McCann, and Ballard are all pushing for a start.
The Yanks, on the other hand, were impressive in their first warm-up game of the year, with the team rolling over Trinidad 7-0. USA are likely to stick to their attacking style of play, and even though Juventus ace Weston McKennie is out of contention, we believe that there is a big value in betting on the in-form visitors. In McKennie’s absence, a man to keep an eye on in the away team will be Borussia Dortmund rising star Giovanni Reyna.
Highlighted Player (Steven Davis):
Born in Ballymena on 1 January 1985, Steven Davis is probably the most famous Northern Irish footballer of the 21st century, and he was one of team’s youngest ever captains, having been awarded the armband just over a year after making his debut for the national team.
The combative midfielder has spent his entire career up to date in the UK, enjoying successful spells with Aston Villa, Fulham, Rangers and Southampton, while representing the country of his birth at various youth levels before getting a chance to shine at the biggest stage.
Davis soon established himself as a leader of the Northern Ireland football team, missing just a handful of competitive fixtures since making his debut in 2005. The central midfielder scored 2 goals to help the national team finally secure their place at a major tournament, with an impressive Euro 2016 qualifying campaign likely to remain fresh in the minds of both the players and fans alike in years to come.