Wales v Northern Ireland preview: Euro 2016 newcomers eye quarter-finals

Chris Coleman expects a "physical" test when Wales meet Northern Ireland in the last 16 of Euro 2016 in Paris on Saturday.

Wales reached the knockout rounds after topping Group B while Northern Ireland qualified as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Turkey could have been Wales' opponents but they were eliminated after Republic of Ireland's win over Italy.

"Northern Ireland are more physical than Turkey," said Coleman. "They get the ball forward quicker. That's where their strength is.

"They are superbly organised and defensively so difficult to break down. They are excellent from set-plays. There's no talk in my camp about who could be next. There are dangers and challenges in any fixture we get."

Both Wales and Northern Ireland are appearing at the European Championship for the first time.

There was nothing to separate them when they drew 1-1 in a friendly in Cardiff in March, but Wales were without Gareth Bale for that fixture.

Bale has scored three times at Euro 2016 and Northern Ireland forward Kyle Lafferty said: "Bale is a standout player - you don't play for Real Madrid if you're an average player - but I honestly believe we've got one of the best defences in the tournament.

"I don't think they've been given enough praise for what they've done. It's going to be a tough game but hopefully we'll be celebrating at the end."

The winner of the tie will meet Hungary or Belgium in the quarter-finals.

Team news

There are no fresh injury concerns for either side.

Sam Vokes and Hal Robson-Kanu are vying to start up front for Wales after both getting minutes in the group stages.

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Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has named the same starting XI for the last two games.

Opta stats

Northern Ireland have not won any of their last eight games against Wales (D4 L4). Their last victory dates back to May 1980 (1-0 in Cardiff). It's the first encounter between two British teams in the knockout stages of a major tournament.

Injury time included, Wales have trailed for only two minutes and 31 seconds in total over their first three games at Euro 2016.

Wales were the joint-top scorers in the Euro 2016 group stages along with Hungary (six goals). Four of their goals came in the first half.

Northern Ireland have never conceded more than one goal in their last 16 internationals. The last time their nets were rattled more than once was in November 2014 against Romania (0-2).

Northern Ireland have recorded the lowest possession average so far at Euro 2016 (28.5%). They've also had the fewest shots (17 in three games).

Paul Merson's prediction

What a game. Wales got a great result against Russia to finish top of the group. Northern Ireland worked their socks off against Germany, they could have got beaten by a lot but dug in and the keeper had a great game.

I just think Wales have the X-factor in Gareth Bale and that could decide the game. Wales won't dominate possession - they are not a top European team who will pass it around for fun - and Northern Ireland will have a go. 

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (9/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Wales are Sky Bet's even-money favourites for the victory as Northern Ireland go up against odds of 7/2 while the draw and extra-time is priced at 2/1. Golden Boot favourite Bale also heads the first goalscorer betting at 3/1 and is enhanced from 5/1 to 8/1 to net from outside the area again in Sky Bet's Price Boosts. 

Wales are currently 28/1 to win Euro 2016 while O'Neill's men are the joint longest odds of those left in the tournament at 100/1.