Overview
Northern Ireland look to revive their Nations League campaign as they host Bulgaria in Belfast on Tuesday, with both teams eyeing automatic promotion from League C Group 3. The hosts sit just a point behind the top spot, while Bulgaria are also within reach of first place, ensuring a high-stakes contest at Windsor Park.
Northern Ireland: Frustrations Mounting
Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland side were left frustrated after a 0-0 draw with Belarus in their last outing. Despite dominating the first half and having two goals disallowed, the team failed to break the deadlock. With only two wins in 19 Nations League games to date, Northern Ireland will be desperate to secure a victory on home turf.
Back at Windsor Park, where they’ve won their last two matches 2-0, a win against Bulgaria would mark their first three-game home winning streak since 2017. However, they face a Bulgarian team they’ve failed to beat in six meetings since 1979, including a 1-0 loss in Sofia earlier this campaign.
Bulgaria: Defensive Stability
Bulgaria have been solid defensively in 2024, conceding only two goals in seven matches. The Lions have yet to concede in this Nations League campaign, and their defense will be key again in Belfast. Ilian Iliev’s men have seen their last three matches produce only one goal, but they remain tough to break down.
Kiril Despodov’s strike in Bulgaria’s 1-0 win over Northern Ireland last month was his 15th international goal, and he’ll be crucial in leading the attack again. Bulgaria’s last three trips to Belfast have all ended in clean sheets, giving them confidence ahead of this crucial encounter.
Team News
Northern Ireland will continue to rely on Sheffield Wednesday’s 19-year-old goalkeeper Pierce Charles, who made his debut against Belarus. His brother, Shea Charles, is expected to start in midfield. Rising star Conor Bradley, who captained the side last time out, will look to continue his impressive Nations League form, having led the team in several key metrics.
Bulgaria will be without Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev due to a knee injury. Valentin Antov, Georgi Kostadinov, and Ivaylo Chochev are vying for midfield positions. Kiril Despodov, who scored the winner in the reverse fixture, will again lead the attack, supported by Aleksandar Kolev.
Predicted Lineups
Northern Ireland (3-5-2):
P. Charles; Hume, McNair, Toal; Bradley, Saville, S. Charles, Price, Lewis; Marshall, Reid
Bulgaria (4-2-3-1):
Mitov; Popov, Petkov, Atanasov, Nurnberger; Kostadinov, Chochev; Despodov, Krastev, Kirilov; Kolev
Prediction
Both teams are known for their solid defenses and struggles in front of goal. With Bulgaria particularly hard to beat and Northern Ireland showing signs of improvement but lacking a clinical finisher, a low-scoring draw seems the most likely outcome.
Score Prediction: Northern Ireland 1-1 Bulgaria
