Poland are being considered as one of the dark horses for Euro 2016. Even if they are placed below Northern Ireland in the current FIFA World rankings list, they will have their nose ahead in this game because of the presence of Robert Lewandowski and a few other stars.
However, Northern Ireland are no less than Poland when it comes to form. They have not lost a single of their last 10 international matches. Michael O'Neill's side will look to continue with the unbeaten run in their first game of Euro 2016.
A winning start to their Euro 2016 campaign is going to be a very crucial for both sides, and thus, both managers will look to field their best playing XI in the game.
Poland will be without Maciej Rybus and Pawel Wszolek, who have been left out of the squad because of their respective injuries. Kamil Grosicki is also a doubt as he had picked up an ankle injury during their friendly game against Lithuania.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland will also miss Chris Brunt as he has been ruled out of Euro 2016 with a major knee injury.
Kyle Lafferty is expected to gain match fitness ahead of their encounter against Poland on Sunday. Lafferty sustained a minor injury during training on Tuesday. Lafferty had trained alone on Thursday, when his teammates took a day off from the practice sessions.
Lafferty's presence in the side is important for Northern Ireland as he had scored seven goals during the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. It will be interesting to see if O'Neill gambles by playing Lafferty against Poland on Sunday.
Northern Ireland do not have any other injury concerns and are good to go against Poland at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice.
The two teams have met nine times previously, and Northern Ireland have outplayed Poland on four occasions. Poland could only win three games against their Sunday's opponent.
With Northern Ireland making their debut in European Championship, they will be raring to go out and play their best game. Meanwhile, Poland, too, will want their side to do well in Euro 2016. We have a cracker of a game in our hands on Sunday night.
Probable Playing XI:
Poland: Szczęsny; Piszczek, Glik, Pazdan, Jędrzejczyk; Błaszczykowski, Krychowiak, Mączyński, Kapustka; Milik, Lewandowski.
Northern Ireland: McGovern; Cathcart, Evans, McAuley; Baird, McNair, Ferguson; Norwood, Davis; Lafferty, Ward.