Monday, October 10, 2016

Germany v N Ireland preview: Will Grigg missing for crunch game

Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's Will Grigg will miss the crunch game in Germany

Will Grigg will miss Northern Ireland's World Cup Qualifier away to Germany because his partner recently gave birth.

The 25-year-old became a cult figure at Euro 2016 __with Northern Ireland fans' infectious "Will Grigg's On Fire (your defence is terrified)" chant, despite the fact he did not play a minute of the campaign.

Germany vs N Ireland

October 11, 2016, 7:00pm

Live on Sky Sports 1 HD

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He has since scored six goals in 11 appearances for Wigan this season, but is unavailable to Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill.

"It's a blow for Will," said O'Neill. "He's been on the scoresheet, but I had a good chat __with him and he didn't feel being here was right."

Grigg also sat out Saturday's 4-0 win over minnows San Marino in Belfast when Kyle Lafferty came off the bench to score two late goals.

Highlights of Northern Ireland
Highlights of Northern Ireland's 4-0 win over San Marino from World Cup Qualifying Group C.

Germany beat the Northern Irish 1-0 in their Euro 2016 group match in June and coach Joachim Low expects another hard-fought match, which you can see live on Sky Sports 1.

"The team is passionate, the players have a big heart," said Low. "A large part of their Euro 2016 squad will also be in Hanover, so we know what to expect."

Germany are top of the World Cup qualifying Group C while Northern Ireland are third after two matches.

Team news

In Grigg's absence, Lafferty of Norwich City, Conor Washington of Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United's Stuart Dallas will be vying to start up front.

For Germany, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is expected to start having made his first international appearance for nearly a year, following injury, against Czech Republic.

Jerome Boateng and Jonas Hector, plus Julian Draxler, are fit despite picking up knocks in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Czech Republic in Hamburg.

Michael O’Neill says there is still plenty for Northern Ireland can improve upon despite beating San Marino 4-0 in Group C.
Michael O’Neill says there is still plenty for Northern Ireland can improve upon despite beating San Marino 4-0 in Group C.

Opta stats

Germany have won nine of their previous 15 matches against Northern Ireland (D2 L4).

Northern Ireland's last win against Germany came back in November 1983 (1-0) courtesy of a goal from Norman Whiteside.

That win in November 1983 is Northern Ireland's only win in Germany (D2 L3).

The Green and White Army have scored just eight goals in their last 13 matches against Germany and never more than once in a game in this run.

Kyle Lafferty of Northern Ireland celebrates
Kyle Lafferty of Northern Ireland celebrates

Northern Ireland are unbeaten in their last five away matches (excl. neutral), although four have been draws (W1).

Northern Ireland have conceded just three goals in their last nine internationals, including two successive clean sheets in this World Cup qualifying campaign.

Lafferty has scored nine times in his last 11 qualifiers for Northern Ireland.

Betting

Northern Ireland are 20/1 with Sky Bet to cause a huge upset while Germany will be popular with accumulator punters with odds of 1/8 available. You can get 4/9 for the hosts to be winning at half-time and full-time.

Thomas Muller celebrates after scoring against the Czech Republic
Thomas Muller celebrates after scoring against the Czech Republic

Thomas Muller heads the first goalscorer betting at 5/2 after his double against Czech Republic on Saturday. If you fancy Muller and Mesut Ozil both to score, the you can get 100/30 for your money.

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