Northern Ireland face a tough Group C test as they welcome Bulgaria to Windsor Park in Qualifying for 2022 FIFA World Cup.
With Lithuania likely to lose to Italy, victory for either Northern Ireland or Bulgaria could send them third in the group.
Team News
Northern Ireland have no fresh injury concerns to report with several regulars set for a recall after Sunday’s friendly defeat against USA, including Steven Davis who is set to create an UK international record with a 126th cap.
Bulgaria have a full squad in contention with no injury issues to report ahead of this match.
Stat Attack
- Northern Ireland are winless in four previous World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria (D1, L3).
- Bulgaria have kept clean sheets in two previous away World Cup qualifiers in Northern Ireland (W1, D1).
- Four of Bulgaria’s five conceded goals in Group C have come in the first half.
- Ireland haven’t won any of their last six home competitive fixtures at Windsor Park (D2, L4).
- Bulgaria are winless in their last six away competitive fixtures (D2, L4).
Prediction
Northern Ireland will definitely fancy their chances in this game as the fresher team after resting several regulars in Sunday’s friendly defeat to USA, although those who played in that game need to improve defensively if they feature here.
Bulgaria meanwhile have faced difficult opposition in their first two qualifiers so will be looking to show more of their quality than they’ve been able to in their two games this past week.
I am therefore expecting a tough contest here between two teams who are likely to miss out but will be viewing third as a solid finish in this group, so a draw would be my bet but Bulgaria are unbeaten in this World Cup qualifying fixture and will be hoping to keep it that way if they deliver a strong performance.
Prediction: Northern Ireland 1-1 Bulgaria
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