Match Overview
Northern Ireland will aim to reignite their UEFA Nations League campaign when they host Bulgaria in Belfast on Tuesday. Sitting just one point off the top spot in League C Group 3, Michael O’Neill’s side is within reach of automatic promotion despite a recent dip in form. Meanwhile, Bulgaria, who are also vying for top position, come into this fixture with a solid defensive record.
Match Preview
Northern Ireland were left frustrated after a goalless draw against Belarus on Saturday, failing to capitalize on several first-half chances. Although they had two goals disallowed—one for offside and another for a foul—the team’s inability to secure the win kept them in third place in Group 3. However, with only a point separating them from first place, they remain very much in contention for promotion.
Michael O’Neill’s men have struggled in the Nations League historically, winning just two of their 19 matches since the competition’s inception, but their home form has improved recently. A win over Bulgaria would mark their third consecutive home victory, a feat they have not achieved since 2017. Northern Ireland will be keen to end a six-match winless streak against Bulgaria, their last victory dating back to 1979.
Bulgaria, meanwhile, have been defensive stalwarts in 2024, conceding just two goals in seven matches. They come into the game having kept clean sheets in their last three visits to Belfast and will be confident of another solid defensive performance. Bulgaria’s Kiril Despodov has been instrumental in their Nations League campaign, scoring the only goal in their 1-0 win over Northern Ireland last month and both of the nation’s last two Nations League goals. With promotion on the line, Ilian Iliev’s side will look to continue their unbeaten run under his guidance, although seven of his nine matches in charge have ended in draws.
Recent Form
– Northern Ireland (Nations League): Drew 0-0 vs. Belarus, Lost 1-0 vs. Bulgaria, Won 2-0 vs. Luxembourg.
– Bulgaria (Nations League): Drew 0-0 vs. Luxembourg, Won 1-0 vs. Northern Ireland, Drew 0-0 vs. Belarus.
Team News
Northern Ireland:
In goal, 19-year-old Pierce Charles could be set to continue after making his senior debut against Belarus. His older brother, Shea Charles, will likely start in midfield. ADO Den Haag striker Lee Bonis earned his first cap as a substitute in the previous match, and he will compete for a starting spot alongside Callum Marshall and Jamie Reid. Conor Bradley, who captained the side last time out, remains a key figure, having led Northern Ireland in several attacking metrics throughout the Nations League campaign.
Bulgaria:
Bulgaria will be without Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev due to a knee injury, with Valentin Antov, Georgi Kostadinov, and Ivaylo Chochev competing for spots in midfield. Captain Kiril Despodov, who netted the winning goal in the reverse fixture, will be crucial to their attacking efforts and is expected to support Aleksandar Kolev in attack, though the latter has yet to score for the national team.
Possible 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
With both teams showing defensive resilience and neither finding the back of the net regularly, this match is likely to be another low-scoring affair. Bulgaria’s compact defense could frustrate Northern Ireland, and a draw seems a likely outcome in this closely contested group.
Final Prediction: Northern Ireland 1-1 Bulgaria
