Euro 2016 preview and odds: Poland vs Northern Ireland

Published on: 12/06/2016

Euro 2016 preview and odds: Poland vs Northern Ireland

Stade de Nice, Nice - June 12, 2016

Group stage - Group C

Poland will go in search of their first ever European Championship finals win when they take on tournament debutants Northern Ireland in Nice on Sunday.

Winless Poland face tournament debutants

Despite having qualified for their third European Championship in a row, Poland have yet to record at single win during the finals. However, they come into this edition of the event full of confidence, with an in-form Robert Lewandowski leading the line.

The Bayern Munich frontman bagged 13 goals during the qualifying stages, equalling David Healy`s record tally for Northern Ireland achieved in UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying. The two clubs have faced each other six times in competitive matches with the British side triumphing on three occasions, the Polish twice and the other game ending in a draw.

Poland`s lack of a Euro finals victory in six previous attempts could weigh on their minds as they face a Northern Ireland side that are currently enjoying a 12-game unbeaten run (a national record). Adam Nawalka`s side come into this game on the back of a two-game winless streak and with doubts surrounding the fitness of key player Kamil Grosicki.

Northern Ireland are the tournaments in-form team having remained undefeated in their last 12 matches. Michael O`Neill`s men will face a difficult task in stopping a Polish team that averaged 3.3 goals per game in qualifying. But they come into this event full of confidence and will be backed by some of Europe`s most colourful and vocal supporters.

Form (all competitions):

Poland: DLWWWWWDWL

Northern Ireland: DWWDWDWDWD

Betting predictions

Poland were one of the most free-scoring teams during the qualifying campaign and have one of the world`s greatest strikers leading their line. It will take a heroic effort from the Northern Irish to stifle their opponents.

You can back Poland to win at 8/11 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 12/06/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (12/06/2016 13:51:06) but are subject to change.