In Focus: Why Northern Ireland must Win at the Park

Ian Baraclough has yet to win a match in 90 minutes since taking over from Michael O’Neill as Northern Ireland boss — and he needs to put that record to bed against Bulgaria tonight.

Sunday’s 2-1 friendly loss to the United States made it seven defeats in Baraclough’s 10 games in charge, with his side's only triumph coming on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

The pressure is on to pick up three points and kickstart their World Cup qualifying campaign — so how can Northern Ireland get back to winning ways at Windsor Park?

Build on the positives

Northern Ireland lost their Group C opener against Italy but there was no shame in defeat to Roberto Mancini’s side, who are now unbeaten in 24 matches and have won their last five on the bounce. 

Baraclough’s men were competitive in the early stages of their clash with the Azzurri and put in an impressive second-half performance. 

The 2-0 scoreline could have had a different complexion had Hull winger Gavin Whyte been able to finish two solid chances after the break — so Northern Ireland will at least take confidence they can secure a better result against weaker opposition.

Time to deliver

With Italy and Switzerland in their group, Northern Ireland simply have to win their games against Bulgaria and Lithuania to stand a chance of progressing. 

The Bulgarians have suffered defeat home defeats to Switzerland and Italy in their opening Group C matches and former defender Stephen Craigan has stressed the importance of victory. 

Craigan said: "We need to find a way to win, simple as. 

"You can talk about tactics, you can talk about shape and you can talk about set-plays, but we have to find a way to win a game of football. 

"The players have to take that responsibility on board. We can't come into it saying 'we played well for 30 minutes’ or ‘we missed a couple of chances and made a mistake but we're learning and progressing'."

A goalkeeping conundrum

Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell was beaten at his near post for both of Italy’s goals on Thursday.

And while Domenico Berardi’s finish was smart, Ciro Immobile’s strike should not have beaten the Burnley stopper. 

With back-up Conor Hazard putting in a solid showing against the US, the Celtic man has put himself in contention for a starting berth. 

Ahead of tonight’s match, Hazard said: "After playing on Sunday, I hope I’ve put myself at the forefront of the manager’s mind. It’s a top level of goalkeepers now with Northern Ireland. 

"I just do my best and prove to the manager that I can be put in."

Davis setting the standard

It was another exemplary display from Steven Davis in Parma, with the 36-year-old continuing to set the standard for his team-mates. 

Davis equalled Peter Shilton’s British record of 125 caps in that match and should surpass his tally tonight. 

His continued excellence in the centre of the park is as crucial as ever to Northern Ireland’s chances.

Fringe players state their case

Plenty of Northern Ireland’s fringe players staked a claim for more international minutes against the US. 

Niall McGinn scored a Marco Van Basten-esque stunner, while Cardiff’s Ciaron Brown, Linfield’s Shayne Lavery and substitute Dion Charles all impressed. 

That will keep the pressure on Baraclough’s regular starters to deliver when it counts. 

It may be early in the qualifying campaign but it already feels like win or bust in Belfast tonight.