Euro 2024: Only a win will do as O'Neill begins second spell as Northern Ireland boss
San Marino v Northern Ireland (7.45pm)
The Michael O'Neill era - Part II - gets underway later today as Northern Ireland begin their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign away to San Marino this evening.
The Green and White Army are overwhelming favourites to take maximum points in Serravale against the world's lowest-ranked nation.
It goes without saying that anything but an opening round win against the minnows would be seen as a huge shock, with Finland coming to Belfast for O'Neill's return to Windsor Park on Sunday.
But the manager has had to contend with a number of injuries to key senior players in the build-up.
Long-term absentees include captain and record cap holder Steven Davis, the Rangers midfielder out with a cruciate knee ligament injury. Corry Evans is also in the same boat, while dynamic Leeds United man Stuart Dallas also remains in the treatment table.
O'Neill was dealt another blow following the withdrawal of Leicester City defender Jonny Evans this week, after the experienced centre-back picked up a hamstring strain on his return to club action.
Meanwhile, Glentoran winger Conor McMenamin also had to pull out after calf injury prevented him from travelling. He'll also be unavailable for the Finland tie.
However, that provides an opportunity for a number of new faces to make a name for themselves
Sean Goss, Cameron McGeehan and Isaac Price have all be called into the squad, while former Armagh City and Derry City defender Eoin Toal, now at Bolton Wanderers, is in the senior set-up for the first time.
Craig Cathcart has been named as captain and will start in the heat of the defence, almost certainly alongside Daniel Ballard who has been in impressive form for his club Sunderland.
Ballard's club-mate Trai Hume will battle it out with Conor Bradley for the right-back berth, while the opposite flank should see one of Shane Ferguson get the nod.
With Bolton forward Dion Charles looking likely to partner Josh Magennis up front, it leaves midfield as O'Neill's biggest conundrum.
George Saville should retain his place, with Paddy McNair in the centre of the pitch, while former Crusaders man Gavin Whyte could be one of the attacking options, depending on what formation O'Neill opts for.
In the build-up this week, O'Neill said Northern Ireland will treat tonight's tie in exactly the same way they will approach their toughest assignment of the group - away to Denmark - in June.
Maximum points this evening are are a must and following that up with another win over the Finnish this weekend, would be the perfect tonic for a Northern Ireland support that has had little to shout about since O'Neill's departure the first time around in 2020.