Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the UEFA Nations League match
The upcoming Nations League campaign is crucial for the development of the Belarus side. The team is determined to secure points against Bulgaria on neutral ground in Hungary, although bookmakers believe the nominal visitors have a better chance of winning.
Belarus
In their Euro 2024 qualifiers, Belarus ended on a high note with a four-game unbeaten streak: in November, they secured narrow victories over Andorra and Kosovo (both 1:0). In 2024, their attack struggled, but it's important to note that they played intentionally against decent opponents like Montenegro (0:2), Russia, and Israel (both 0:4). Carlos Alós and his coaching staff are tasked with advancing out of their Nations League group, with immediate results being a clear expectation.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria last won an official match two years ago (against North Macedonia in the last Nations League campaign, 1:0). Since then, stagnation in local football has reached its peak: in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, the team managed to earn only 4 points out of a possible 24 (7 goals in 8 games). Bulgaria no longer boast top players, with only the experienced Kiril Despodov from PAOK standing out in the squad.
Belarus - Bulgaria Prediction
Belarus is likely to stick to their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, handing the attacking initiative to the talented Dmitriy Antilevskiy, Valeriy Gromyko, and Maksim Kireev. Given Bulgaria's failure in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, even if they win, it is likely to be by only a single goal. Overall, Belarus have excellent chances of avoiding defeat.
