A new-look Northern Ireland will look to continue their 2024/25 Nations League campaign with a positive result away at Bulgaria.
The two nations are in Group C3 alongside Luxembourg and Belarus.
Match Preview
Bulgaria recent form
Three out of Bulgaria’s last four friendlies have ended as a draw, against Azerbaijan, Romania and Slovenia. In March, they defeated Tanzania.
In their first Nations League fixture on Thursday, they drew 0-0 with Belarus.
Bulgaria injury news
Filip Krastev is unavailable following his dismissal in the draw versus Belarus. He picked up two bookings, one in each half.
There are concerns over Valentin Anton as he took a kick to the leg in the first half on Thursday, but he should be fine to feature here.
Northern Ireland recent form
Northern Ireland weren’t involved in the European Championships in the summer but were involved in two rounds of pre-season friendlies prior to the tournament.
Over four games in March and June, they lost against Spain, defeated Andorra, beat Scotland and drew with Romania.
On Thursday, they defeated Luxembourg 2-0 in the Nations League.
Northern Ireland injury news
Michael O’Neill’s side has a new look heading into these games. From the team that performed so admirably in Euro 2016 under his management, there are only two survivors – Paddy McNair and Josh Magennis.
The Nation’s most-capped and most-decorated player, Jonny Evans, announced his retirement from international football one day before the squad was set to be announced.
Northern Ireland are now relying on a new guard, with the likes of Conor Bradley, Isaac Price and Shea Charles emerging as promising talents.
There are no fresh injury concerns in the squad following the Luxembourg win.
Bulgaria – Player to Watch?
Valentin Antov was hailed as an “extremely important player” for Bulgaria by national team boss Ilian Iliev.
Northern Ireland – Player to Watch?
Paddy McNair is the most experienced player in the squad now, by far, and he has even started contributing goals as he found the back of the net in his nation’s last game.
Bulgaria vs Northern Ireland – Prediction
Bulgaria have drawn three matches in a row, while Northern Ireland have won two on the bounce, but with the former holding the home advantage here, O’Neill’s men may have to settle for the points being shared.
Scoreline prediction – Bulgaria 1-1 Northern Ireland
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