Our prediction for this Nations League match:
Bulgaria
Match Time & Date:
08/09/2024
18:00
Prediction: 1-1
Northern Ireland
Bulgaria and Northern Ireland face each other at Stadion Hristo Botev (Plovdiv) in what is expected to be a close UEFA Nations League game. The Bulgarians failed to turn their dominance into victory in a goalless draw with Belarus, but their performance in the Group 3 opener is surely fuelling fans with optimism ahead of upcoming challenges. Zwolle midfielder Filip Krastev is banned for the match, while there are no fresh injury worries in the home team.
The Green and White Army, on the other hand, did well to beat Luxembourg 2-0 in their opener, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry in Bulgaria. As Ilian Iliev’s men are tough to beat at home, we believe that there is a big value in betting on draw. Even though there are no fresh injury concerns in the away team, Exeter forward Josh Magennis could sneak into the starting eleven this time out.
Highlighted Player (Paddy McNair):
Following in the footsteps of his compatriot Jonny Evans, Paddy McNair joined the Manchester United academy in 2011 and he was surprisingly handed first team debut by Louis van Gaal at the start of the 2014/2015 season.
Despite his fragile age, the talented central defender has been putting in some very mature performances ever since, and everything suggests he could go on to become an important player at Old Trafford in years to come. After representing a number of youth sides, McNair made his first appearance for the Northern Ireland senior national team in a March 2015 friendly vs Scotland, before making another three outings as his side secured their place at the Euro 2016 finals.
Northern Ireland coach Michael O’Neill surprisingly played McNair in holding midfield in the March 2016 friendly vs Wales. After the youngster impressed in the middle of the park, O’Neill went on to suggest that the Manchester United starlet may be used in midfield rather than defence in years to come in the national team.
Highlighted Team (Bulgaria):
Bulgaria national football team are well known for their “Golden generation” of players led by Hristo Stoichkov. The Bulgarian football legend was producing thrilling performances for the national team at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in USA and he helped the Lions make it to the semi-finals of the tournament.
The likes of Trifon Ivanov, Krasimir Balakov and Yordan Letchkov enjoyed a very successful tournament as well and, no doubt, they recorded a historical result at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The Bulgarians defeated Germany in the quarter-finals, but Italy proved to be a big catch for Dimitar Penev’s team. Bulgaria eventually suffered a heavy loss to Sweden in the third-place playoffs. Nowadays, Bulgaria struggle in qualifiers for major tournaments and it has to be noted that they have not participated at the finals since 1994.
Vasil Levski National Stadium is considered Bulgaria’s home ground and the capacity of the stadium is 43.320. Bulgaria wear white shirts, green shorts and white socks when playing at home, whilst green and red are their second colours.
Arsenal 
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Brighton
Brentford 
Lazio 
Atalanta 
Juventus 
Fiorentina 
Milan 
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Sporting 
Benfica 
