Dugout Discussion – Wales vs Northern Ireland

Next up on our Euro 2016 agenda, Wales and Northern Ireland go head-to-head at five o’clock in the second match of the last 16.

After climbing to the top of Group B with a convincing 3-0 thrashing of Russia, Chris Coleman’s side are strongly fancied to progress this evening.

Joint-top scorers over the group stages with six goals, Wales also led the way for efforts on target – an impressive 57.9% shot accuracy is higher than any side.

Northern Ireland, meanwhile, will be expected to sit tight and soak up the pressure, with their ability from dead-balls likely to be key – they scored more times from set-pieces than any other side in qualifying.

Michael O’Neill’s side averaged a mere 29.2% possession in their first three matches – the lowest of any team – and ranked joint-bottom along with Iceland when it came to shots conceded.

Given that O’Neill’s men are also worse than any team for attempts on goal, those Fantasy managers backing Wales’ main men will be full of expectation for this one.