Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland Betting Prediction, Tips & Preview - The Lucky Blog Bulgaria vs Ireland Predictions, Betting Tips & Preview

Our Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland Prediction Sees Irish Sneak a Win

Bulgaria and Republic of Ireland lock horns this Friday in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation play-off. The Bulgarians were runners-up in Group C3, while Ireland finished third in B2.

UEFA Nations League Betting Picks

Republic of Ireland Win – 2.32

BTTS – 2.13

Bet on Bulgaria vs Ireland

Can Ireland Bounce Back from England Hammering?

Bulgaria were beaten to first place in Group 3 by Northern Ireland. Ilian Iliev’s boys picked up nine points from a possible 18 after two wins, three draws, and one defeat. Their only loss came against Northern Ireland in Belfast in October.

Ireland were involved in a tough Nations League group with England, Greece, and Finland. Avoiding fourth was the priority, and the Irish finished six points clear of the Finns in third. England and Greece finished with 15 points, with the English winning the group on goal difference.

Bulgaria’s form over the past 18 months or so has been solid. The 5-0 loss in Belfast is their only reverse since a 2-0 defeat in Albania in October 2023. However, they have picked up just three wins during that time.

Ireland are in patchy form. They suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to rivals England in their last match, but home and away wins over Finland prevented a bottom-place finish. Can they complete the job by winning this two-legged play-off tie?

Recent Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland Head-to-Head Results

The countries last met in the Nations League in 2020. The matches were played behind closed doors, and both finished level. Before a goalless draw at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the pair drew 1-1 at Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia.

They met in FIFA World Cup qualifying in 2009, with both fixtures finishing 1-1. Ireland did manage to see off the Bulgarians in a friendly in 2019, with Alan Browne, Kevin Long, and James Collins on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win.

Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland Betting Tips & Predictions

Ireland are the slight favourites at Stadion Hristo Botev, and Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men could return to Dublin with a lead. The away victory is priced at 2.32.

The Boys in Green have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine, while Bulgaria have netted in their previous two. Both teams to score here is available at 2.13.