Wales come into this match without their key forward Gareth Bale, who will be rested ahead of their Euro 2016 campaign. Speaking about the decision to leave the talented Real Madrid forward out of the travelling squad, coach Chris Coleman explained that Los Blancos had reached an agreement with Wales not to release the former Tottenham Hotspur man for the international friendly. This would, as a result, give him more time to work on his fitness that has been affected due to his recent injury problems.
Wales and Northern Ireland last met in 2007 and played to a barren draw. Prior to that meeting, the two teams had met in October 2005 when Wales won 2-3.
Despite missing the services of key forward Gareth Bale for this clash, Coleman’s side still carry the favourites tag coming into this fixture. Aaron Ramsey is also set to miss this clash due to injury problems, and Bournemouth midfielder Shaun MacDonald could come in handy up front.
On the other hand, Norwich City forward Kyle Lafferty could lead the hunt for goals for Northern Ireland as Chris Brunt is still doubtful due to injury.
This is set to be an interesting clash altogether; the hosts have won five, drawn thrice and lost twice in their last 10 home matches. These statistics, regardless of Bale’s and Ramsey’s absence, give them the upper hand. The other side of the pitch presents a Northern Ireland squad that has won four times, drawn four times and lost twice in their last 10 games. Interestingly, both sides have scored over 2.5 goals in their previous 10 matches.
Wales come into this match facing the risk of losing to the visitors thanks to the unavailability of their key players. However, they will be glad to discover that they have only lost thrice in their last 14 games since failing to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
Both Ramsey and Bale were conspicuously missing when Netherlands beat Wales 2-3 at Cardiff back in November. This gives the hosts an early warning coming into this friendly match with Northern Ireland.
Coleman has managed to set up a strong defence that has only conceded once in six of their last seven games. In Cardiff, the hosts have proven to be a hard nut to crack, having beaten group winners Belgium and qualifying for Euro 2016 unbeaten.
They now face a side that emerged the Group F winners in the European qualifiers and on their way to qualification, they only lost against Romania.
Ahead of this clash, one thing is clear; both sides boast of mean defences and whoever concedes first could lose the game.
Which channel is broadcasting Wales vs Northern Ireland on TV or Online?
Ireland: Watch Wales vs Northern Ireland on BBC Two Wales, BBC Radio 5 Live or BBC Two Northern Ireland at 19:45 GMT.
UK: Follow the international friendly live on BBC Two Wales, BBC Two Northern Ireland or BBC Radio 5 Live at 19:45 GMT.
Live outside these countries? Visit our live broadcast page for additional broadcast options for your specific country.
*NOTE: Live broadcast data is subject to change
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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