Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria Preview, Prediction, Team News, and Lineups | UEFA Nations League, October 15, 2024

Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria Preview

Tournament: UEFA Nations League Group Stage

Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Time: 6:45 pm GMT

Venue: Windsor Park, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland will host in their UEFA Nations League League C Group 3 clash on Tuesday at Windsor Park. It will be their final game of this international break and it is a crucial one.

Northern Ireland are currently third in their group with four points after one win, one draw, and one defeat. They beat Luxembourg and lost against Bulgaria last month before drawing 0-0 against Belarus on Saturday, October 12. They sit just a point behind Bulgaria in second.

Bulgaria have two draws and one win in the Nations League 2024-25. They drew 0-0 against Luxembourg and Belarus but beat Northern Ireland 1-0. Belarus, meanwhile, tops the group, also with five points. Hence, it’s a crucial clash for Northern Ireland and Belarus as it could decide who out of the two proceeds to the next round of the tournament.

Northern Ireland National Football Team News

Northern Ireland will have everyone available for the clash.

Bulgaria National Football Team News

Bulgaria, meanwhile, will have their entire squad available for the clash.

Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria Predicted Lineups

Northern Ireland national football team predicted lineup (3-5-2):

Goalkeeper: Pierce Charles

Defenders: Eoin Toal, Patrick McNair, Trai Hume

Midfielders: Jamal Lewis, George Saville, Shea Charles, Isaac Price, Conor Bradley

Attackers: Callum Marshall, Jamie Reid

Bulgaria national football team predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Dimitar Mitov

Defenders: Viktor Popov, Zhivko Atanasov, Alex Petkov, Fabian Nurnberger

Midfielders: Georgi Kostadinov, Valentin Antov, Filip Krastev

Attackers: Kiril Despodov, Aleksandar Kolev, Radoslav Kirilov

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Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria H2H Record

In their last three meetings, Bulgaria have won two times while the other match ended up in a draw.

Last 5 results:

Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland – UEFA Nations League Group Stage – September 8, 2024

Bulgaria 2-1 Northern Ireland – FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – October 13, 2021

Northern Ireland 0-0 Bulgaria – FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – April 1, 2021

Key Players to watch in Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria

Conor Bradley

The Liverpool right-back will be the man to watch for Northern Ireland against Bulgaria. Conor Bradley impressed for Liverpool last season under Jurgen Klopp, making 23 appearances across competitions. He registered one goal and six assists in that time and filled in well for an injured Trent Alexander-Arnold.

He’s made just six appearances this season under Arne Slot but has been a key player for his national side. He’s played every minute of their UEFA Nations League campaign. He also captained the side against Belarus last time out.

In a wing-back system, he is likely to help in attack and he could make a big impact.

Kiril Despodov

The right-winger has been an important player for Bulgaria over the years, scoring 15 goals and providing nine assists in 52 caps across competitions. He also scored the only goal in their 1-0 win over Northern Ireland at home in the Nations League last month.

At the club level, Kiril Despodov plays for Greek club PAOK. He has contributed 14 goals and 18 assists in 62 games for them since arriving from Ludogorets last summer. He also captains the Bulgarian national team and they will hope he can again help them beat Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria Prediction

Northern Ireland have won two of their last five games across competitions, losing two and drawing one. They started their Nations League 2024-25 campaign brilliantly by beating Luxembourg but lost against Bulgaria and then drew against Belarus.

Northern Ireland are ranked 73^rd in the FIFA World Rankings and appears set for an improvement after their performances over the last year. Meanwhile, Bulgaria are ranked 81^st. They are unbeaten in their last nine games across competitions but have won just two of them.

Bulgaria holds the psychological advantage, having beaten Northern Ireland in their last clash at home. However, Michael O’Neill will look to exact revenge on Tuesday, especially at home. This is a crucial clash as it could decide the fate of the two sides in the competition.

While Bulgaria are on a nine-game unbeaten run, it could end on Tuesday against a good Northern Ireland side.

Predicted Score: Northern Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria

Also Read: Scotland vs Portugal Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Nations League | October 15, 2024

Where to watch Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria Live?

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