Wales vs Northern Ireland: EURO 2016 Round of 16 Preview & Prediction

Wales and Northern Ireland will go head-to-head on Saturday evening at the Parc des Princes Stadium, which will be the tournament’s second all home nations encounter.

Both teams, who are making their tournament debuts, will be aiming to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the competition for the very first time.

During the group stages, Wales surprisingly topped Group B after victories against Slovakia and Russia respectively. Chris Coleman’s side did taste a last minute defeat at the hands of England; however, it didn’t thwart them in their quest of securing top spot.

Gareth Bale, the competition’s joint-top goalscorer so far with three goals, will be looking to add to his goal tally when the sides meet in Paris.

The talented Welshman became the first player to score in all three group stage games since Milan Baros and Ruud van Nistelrooy did in 2004.

Northern Ireland qualified through the group stage as one of the best third-placed teams. The Green and White Army suffered defeats to Poland and world champions Germany – their first defeats in over a year – however; a 2-0 win against Ukraine was enough to see Michael O’Neill’s side historically through to the knockout stages.

Despite suffering two defeats, Northern Ireland showed their quality throughout keeping the opposition at bay. Their resolute defence frustrated Germany and their performance was one to be merited, despite the 1-0 scoreline.

The Welsh hold the better record of the two teams, most recently unbeaten in their last eight fixtures against Northern Ireland (W4, D4). The run stretches back 36 years to 1980 when Northern Ireland last tasted victory with a 1-0 win.

Northern Ireland boss O’Neill celebrates his side’s 2-0 victory over Ukraine – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Team News:

Wales have no new injury concerns ahead of the Round of 16 clash.

Hal Robson-Kanu may be drafted back into the side after he was rested in place for Sam Vokes, who played the majority of the Dragons’ 3-0 win over Russia on Monday.

Northern Irish boss Michael O’Neill will have some thinking to do in regards to who he may want to start in attack for the Green and White Army.

Kyle Lafferty, who was top scorer in qualifying, will be aiming for a recall after losing his place to fellow forward Conor Washington.

FIFA World Ranking: Wales – 26th; Northern Ireland – 25th
Best European Championship Finish: Wales – Round of 16 (2016); Northern Ireland – Round of 16 (2016)
Previous Meeting: Wales 1-1 Northern Ireland (March 24, 2016 – International Friendly)
Form: Wales – DLLWLW; Northern Ireland – WWDLWL
Key Men: Wales – Gareth Bale; Northern Ireland – Steven Davis
Shoot Says: Wales 2-1 Northern Ireland (AET)