Northern Ireland host Bulgaria in a crunch League C3 clash in 2024-25 UEFA Nations League.
Victory would see Northern Ireland go top if Belarus fail to beat Luxembourg elsewhere, whilst Bulgaria need the same result if they too want to go top.
Team News
Northern Ireland have no fresh injury concerns after their goalless away draw to Belarus.
Bulgaria too have no fresh injury concerns following their goalless draw at home to Luxembourg.
When is Kick-Off?
Northern Ireland host Bulgaria at Windsor Park on Tuesday 15 October at 7:45pm BST, live on Viaplay YouTube channel.
Stat Attack
- Northern Ireland lost their only previous Nations League meeting to Bulgaria by a 1-0 away result in September 2024.
- Bulgaria have lost one of five previous visits to Northern Ireland in all competitions (W2, D2, L1).
- Northern Ireland have lost two of their last three home games against Bulgaria by 1-0 results, but drew 0-0 in their most recent clash in Belfast in March 2021.
- Northern Ireland won their only previous home game in 2024 (W1), which came in their group opener against Luxembourg.
- Bulgaria have conceded just twice in 2024 (W2, D5).
Prediction
Having dominated Belarus on Saturday evening, Northern Ireland will be disappointed to have not got the three points so I expect them to be fired up for this home game with top spot potentially on offer.
Bulgaria likewise outclassed Luxembourg without the clinical end product to find the net, so they too will eye up improvement here.
This clash therefore does feel tight and cagey but Bulgaria are yet to score more than once in a game this year, unlike Northern Ireland which could well be the mental difference if it’s 1-1 entering the last 20 minutes.]
I however do feel that this will end in a draw unless one team scores first then dig deep defensively.
Prediction: Northern Ireland 0-0 Bulgaria
Result: Northern Ireland 5-0 Bulgaria