Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Nations League match.
Both play-off matches between Bulgaria and Ireland are unlikely to be a showcase of attacking football. Each side will focus on solid defensive organisation to minimise risk, though both have forwards capable of deciding the game on their own.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria recorded five under 2.5 goals outcomes in six group-stage matches of the Nations League. They conceded only against Northern Ireland (0:5) and Belarus (1:1)—a defensive approach from Ilian Iliev’s staff that largely paid off. However, Georgi Milanov is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, meaning Aleksandar Kolev and other attacking options will have fewer chances.
Ireland
In a tough group featuring England, Finland, and Greece, Ireland failed to score in four matches, with all their goals coming in head-to-head encounters with Finland (2:1 and 1:0). Against England at Wembley, they managed just one shot from 0.04 xG. Adding to their struggles, Ireland’s star forward Evan Ferguson is enduring a poor season—scoring just once in 18 Premier League appearances.
Bulgaria vs Ireland Prediction
Back in autumn 2020, Bulgaria and Ireland played out uninspiring matches in the Nations League group stage (1:1 and 0:0). In Plovdiv, both teams are expected to show the same lack of attacking intent, as each aims for promotion to League B.
