Northern Ireland May Be Looking At Draw At Best In Estonia

Northern Ireland's loss against Serbia on Friday was a huge blow to their chances of qualification for Euro 2012 but they are still in the chase, especially with their game in hand, but this match against Estonia is truely a must win match on Tuesday night with Estonia currently one point ahead of Northern Ireland having played an extra match.

 

A win in this match would be a great morale booster ahead of a further match against Estonia before the qualifiers are over and Northern Ireland will have to beat Estonia with a depleted squad that has left manager Nigel Worthington with a selection problem or two. David Healy is likely to lead the line with Kyle Lafferty still out with a calf injury, Healy is still looking for his first international goal in almost three years but should still get the nod over Warren Feeney and Josh McQouid.

 

Both Evans brothers, Jonny and Corry, are suspended having picked up yellow cards against Serbia whilst Paddy McCourt is carrying a calf injury. Sammy Clingan missed the Serbia match with an illness but could return whilst Lee Hodson and Ryan McGivern are others in contention to start against Estonia.

 

Northern Ireland would be fancied to get a win here ordinarily despite being the away side but their injury and suspension problems involve key players and they are likely to be sorely missed handing an advantage to Estonia. With little between the sides the best bet on this match should be the draw, which is a result that might not be good enough for Northern Ireland.