Off we go!

Mark Sterling
BBC Sport NI at Windsor Park

Scoring goals has been a problem for Northern Ireland for some time. Well, taking chances has been the problem to be more precise.

They have been creating plenty of opportunities under Ian Baraclough, but too often the manager has been left to rue missed chances.

However, Greece have travelled to Belfast with a squad of 27 that boosts only 26 international goals between them.

Kyle Lafferty (20) and Steven Davis (13) have more than that between them, with the Northern Ireland squad's combined goals tally sitting at 61.

All that will mean nothing once the match kicks off, of course, but it's interesting nonetheless.

Windsor Park has filled up nicely ahead of this one. We've missed that famous noise!

Mark Sterling
BBC Sport NI at Windsor Park

With the Nations League games now included in the package for Northern Ireland campaign card holders, Windsor Park is filling up nicely ahead of kick-off.

The atmosphere was building slowly but when Sweet Caroline is played by the stadium DJ the noise levels are always cranked up a level or two.

Those in The Kop usually leave it very close to kick-off to arrive and that was the case again tonight, but there's nothing to suggest that this can't be a big night in south Belfast.

There have been plenty of memories of the last time Greece were in town over the last few days. We won't reach those levels of excitement, of course, but an opening night win would be thoroughly enjoyed by the home fans.

Image source, Press Eye

Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough has called on his players to ignore "outside noise" and win all four of their opening Nations League matches.

Baraclough accepts that the expectancy of supporters will have risen with his side having been relegated to the third tier of the competition.

NI begin their campaign at home to Greece on Thursday night, the first of four matches in the space of 10 days.

"We've all got to deal with that," he said when asked about added pressure.

"There are always going to be games where there are outside influences and noise that goes on, people will say you are favourites for games and you should be winning games.

"As players, coaches and managers, we've all learnt to deal with that from where we have come from. Let the noise go on outside the group, let people speculate on what you should and shouldn't do, concentrate on what you're doing within the group and keep it within that."

The teams are out at Windsor Park and it's time for the anthems!

Mark Sterling
BBC Sport NI at Windsor Park

It's a bit niche, granted, but there was a significant development for the journalists covering tonight's game.

The pre-match grub provided by the Irish FA has returned.

Steak and vegetable pie, honey-glazed cocktail sausages and vegetable soup, for those wondering. Very nice, too.

Northern Ireland supporters will be hoping that a first Nations League win is on the menu for the home side tonight.

Image source, Press Eye

Northern Ireland's focus on the Nations League has sharpened now the players understand its importance, says captain Steven Davis.

After eight defeats and two draws in 10 matches, with six goals scored and 18 conceded, Northern Ireland have dropped into tier three of the competition.

"When it started we didn't know what it was about," admitted Davis.

"We've seen that with other nations. There's a play-off spot up for grabs. The mindset has shifted."

The Rangers midfielder added: "We've got the younger lads to integrate into the squad and we've got four games in 11 days, so that's another challenge. We want to get off to a good start against Greece and build on that.

"We've got high expectations of ourselves."

Image source, Press Eye

Ian Baraclough has included four new faces in his squad for June's fixtures - including Glentoran forward Conor McMenamin.

Man City's Shea Charles, Huddersfield Town's Brodie Spencer and Charlie McCann of Rangers have also been selected, and with four game sin 10 days there could be opportunities for youngsters to shine.

Tommy Wright
Former Northern Ireland goalkeeper on Radio Ulster

As a club manager you would be concerned, you've played long season but it's the way it is now and you have to accept it. Ian has named a large squad for the games and you would say there will be plenty of changes to the starting XIs. Ideally, you don't want your players, after such a long season, to have four games in such a short space of time.

Image source, Press Eye

Ian Baraclough is without some key players for June's four fixtures.

Watford defender Craig Cathcart, Leeds United's Stuart Dallas, Wigan Athletic's Josh Magennis, Sunderland midfielder Corry Evans, Rotherham United wing-back Shane Ferguson, Shrewsbury Town defender Tom Flanagan, Aberdeen winger Matthew Kennedy and HJK Helsinki goalkeeper Conor Hazard are all absent from the NI squad either through club commitments, injury or fatigue.

A chance for others to step up?

Mark Sterling
BBC Sport NI at Windsor Park

The Northern Ireland starting team - and formation - is always a talking point before matches amongst supporters.

With a number of senior players missing from his squad, manager Ian Baraclough had a few fairly big calls to make with his selection.

In terms of shape, it looks like he has gone for his favoured 3-5-2 and that means Paddy McNair drops into a back three marshalled by Jonny Evans alongside Dan Ballard.

There is youth and energy on the flanks as Paddy Lane makes his first competitive start on the left with Liverpool's Conor Bradley on the right.

George Saville gets the nod ahead of Jordan Thompson in midfield, alongside Ali McCann and captain Steven Davis, making his 135th appearance.

Up front Shayne Lavery comes back in to partner Gavin Whyte.

BBC Sounds

You can also listen to tonight's game on BBC Radio 5Live and BBC Sounds from 19:45 BST.

The commentary team from Windsor Park is Alistair Bruce-Ball, Iain Dowie and Neil Lennon.

Get involved and let us know your favourite memories of that famous night in 2015 using #bbcfootball

Image source, Press Eye

Esteemed company...

Image source, Press Eye

Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis says signing a one-year extension with Rangers "was never going to be a difficult conversation".

The 37-year-old has made more than 350 Rangers appearances over two spells with the Ibrox club.

Davis helped Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team win the Scottish Cup and reach the Europa League final.

"If Rangers wanted me it was never an option to look anywhere else," he said.

"It means the world. I've obviously spent a large part of my career here and I grew up a Rangers fan."

BBC Sounds

You can listen to live coverage of tonight's game on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds from 19:30 BST.

Keith Gillespie and Tommy Wright are the dynamic duo alongside Joel Taggart while Michael McNamee, as ever, will be joined by former Northern Ireland defender John O'Neill on commentary.

And here is how Greece are lining up at Windsor Park.

Image source, BBC Sport

Team news time.

It was a few months ago but Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough makes four personnel changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Hungary in a friendly in March.

Jonny Evans comes into the back three and George Saville starts in midfield with Conor Bradley coming in at wing-back and Shayne Lavery starting up front.

Those not in the side this time are Ciaron Brown, Craig Cathcart, Josh Magennis and Niall McGinn.

Image source, BBC Sport

The headline fixture of tonight's Nations League game is the Iberian derby, Spain v Portugal in Seville.

The Czech Republic play Switzerland in the other game in that group.

Plenty of eyes on Serbia v Norway too with new Manchester City striker Erling Haaland leading the line for the visitors.

Also playing are Israel v Iceland and Slovenia v Sweden.