A win in the Faroe Islands for Northern Ireland would put them close to Euro 2016 qualification. Does Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) think they'll do it?
Faroe Islands v Northern Ireland | Friday 19:45 | Sky Sports 5
If you were making a list of the most impressive sides in Euro 2016 qualification so far then these two would be very high up there. Both have already exceeded expectations, but can Northern Ireland go the whole hog and qualify for their first tournament in 30 years?
This looks a tough test for Michael O'Neill's side. His side have fallen to some poor defeats in his tenure but so far in this campaign they've expunged that.
Losing to Luxembourg and Azerbaijan in the World Cup 2014 qualifiers certainly gives the Faroe Islands hope but since qualifying for this competition began one year ago they've looked a very impressive side.
Northern Ireland go into this game with a record of P6 W4 D1 L1. Romania are the only side they've dropped points to and victories have come over Hungary, Finland, Greece and the Faroes. Twice by two goals, twice by the odd goal.
In their home match against their opponents here they won 2-0 11 months ago and no side has bettered that margin of victory over the islanders.
That's because the Faroes don't get hammered anymore. They've lost four times in this group (twice by two goals, twice by one goal) but have backed that up with home and away victories over Greece. Astonishing!
This side deserve immense credit and huge respect. Their results have been so impressive that they were promoted out of the bottom pot for the 2018 World Cup qualifying draw. One massive middle finger up to the small-minded Sunday Supplement dwelling England obsessed tossers who argue for pre-qualifying. Up yours!
This looks a test that Northern Ireland can overcome but I can't be backing them at 3/4. Instead I'll be investing in the 15/8 for Under 1.5 Goals with Paddy Power. That's copped in three of the last four Faroes matches and a tight, edgy affair looks inevitable.
Best Bets
Faroe Islands v Northern Ireland – Under 1.5 Goals (15/8 BetVictor)
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Another great offer from Coral this weekend.
They're offering new players 7/1 that England score five or more against lowly San Marino.
