Windsor Park plays host to a huge match for Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland who take on Switzerland over two legs for a place in Russia. Our man Danny Archer has previewed all the action...
Northern Ireland 3/1, Draw 2/1, Switzerland 6/5 - Unibet Bet £30 and money back if your first bet loses
Northern Ireland - Magnificent in their group when finishing second behind the holders Germany, Northern Ireland kept seven clean sheets in the group stages and have made Windsor Park a fortress winning seven of their last 10 competitive games at home and have lost just once in that time to Germany in October.
That's remarkable form for a nation the size of Northern Ireland and you have to fancy them to get something before the away trip next week. O'Neill's players know this is a massive opportunity to utilise their strong home form and have tournament experience having reached Euro 2016 as they attempt to make a World Cup tournament for the first time since their iconic 1986 team who partook in Mexico.
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O'Neill has a strong backline led by the often maligned but dependable Jonny Evans who has passed a late fitness test, whilst Paddy McNair could also return. Michael McGovern is an excellent shot stopper and O'Neill also has Nottingham Forest's pacey striker Jamie Ward back in the squad from injury. Southampton's Steven Davis has been superb throughout the qualifying campaign and he will have a big role to play tonight as may strong forward Josh Magennis who has taken over the mantle from Kyle Lafferty to lead the front-line with aplomb. Conor Washington and the aforementioned Lafferty, who was mesmeric in helping Northern Ireland reach Euro 2016 could also have a role to play.
Switzerland
The Swiss are looking to qualify for their fourth successive major tournament and have some real quality in their team including Arsenal's Granit Xhaka, Stoke's Xherdan Shaqiri and the powerful Eren Derdiyok up front. Interestingly, Northern Ireland head the sides' head-to-head record having won 2, drawn 1 and lost 1 of the team's four meetings.
The Swiss only failed to reach the World Cup in Russia next year automatically due to having a lower goal difference than Euro 2016 champions Portugal, with both sides procuring 27 points. Successful in 9 of their 10 games, Vladimir Petković's side will prove a huge threat to Northern Ireland. They scored 23 goals and conceded just 7 so tonight's game should prove an informative yet tight match in Belfast.
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Archer's Verdict
I think Northern Ireland are massively overpriced here. Their home record is formidable and they will be set up to counter dangerously with real pace in their side. Switzerland are the higher ranked team and possess some quality players but Windsor Park will be rocking tonight and this should prove an entertaining encounter.
Selections -
Northern Ireland or Draw 7/10
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Under 2.5 Goals 1/3
Draw Half Time 4/5
The other play-off game tonight sees a classy Croatian side host Greece and the hosts should prove too strong for the Euro 2004 winners. Their price of 2/5 reflects the gulf in class and they will be keen to establish a healthy goal advantage ahead of the second leg next week.
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Croatia 2/5, Draw 17/5, Greece 11/1 Unibet Bet £30 and money back if your first bet loses
Selections
Croatia to win - 2/5
Over 2.5 goals - 31/20
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Both Teams To Score No - 7/20