Bulgaria vs Northern Ireland Prediction & Betting Tips (8 September)

Far from its splendor of the 1990s, Bulgaria has struggled to do well for several years now. During the last Nations League C, the selection took 2nd place in its group, behind Georgia but ahead of North Macedonia and Gibraltar. Subsequently, the teammates of the striker Despodov performed poorly during the qualifications for Euro 2024. Unable to win 4 draws and 4 defeats, they finished last in a group made up of Hungary, the Serbia, Montenegro and Lithuania. Not really confident, Bulgaria started its Nations League campaign with a good point taken in Belarus last Thursday 0-0.

Already present in Nations League C during the previous edition, Northern Ireland displayed serious limits by settling for 3rd place, behind Greece and Kosovo. The British confirmed their shortcomings during the qualifiers for Euro 2024. Logically superior to the red lantern San Marino, they however finished in penultimate place in the ranking with 9 points taken in 10 matches. Last Thursday, Northern Ireland, on the other hand, launched this Nations League perfectly by taking over Luxembourg 2-0 at home.

Bulgaria has some great assets to offer in its squad, notably with the presence of winger and captain Despodov (PAOK) as well as promising midfielder Gruev (Leeds). On the attacking front, the experienced Kolev (Levski Sofia) should take his place. On the other hand, aligned as playmaker in Belarus, Krastev (Zwolle) was expelled and will therefore be suspended this Sunday. Five players regularly called up with the selection will not play this evening, these are defenders Nedylakov (29 salt) and Hristov (Spezia, 19 salt) as well as midfielder Nedelev (Ludogorets, 44 salt) and offensive players Delev (47 salt). - 5 goals) and Petkov (5 goals). Summoned for this gathering, midfielders Svetoslav Kovachev and Kostadinov are uncertain after having already missed the first match.

Northern Ireland must deal with the withdrawals of promising defender Spencer (Huddersfield) and midfielder Thompson (Stoke City). Furthermore, we must not forget to mention the international retirement of executive Johnny Evans (Man United). Aligned in the central hinge during the 1st day, Ballard (Sunderland) and McNair West Bromwich) both scored. We also find the promising full-back Bradley (Liverpool) and the important midfielder Shea Charles (Sheffield Wednesday). To his advantage with Bolton in League One, striker Dion Charles competes with the experienced Magennis (Exeter).